Zucchini Bars
Zucchini Bars are moist, flavorful treats combining shredded zucchini with coconut, oats, and nuts for a wholesome snack. Spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, they offer a delightful texture and taste, perfect for breakfast or dessert, appealing to both kids and adults seeking a nutritious indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar and oil in a bowl.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the mixture and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in shredded zucchini, shredded coconut, and oatmeal.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured sheet pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. You can also reduce sugar by using a sugar substitute or honey, adjusting the liquid content accordingly. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try adding almond flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour. These zucchini bars are versatile and can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These zucchini bars make a delightful snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a fruit salad, such as Mandarin Orange-Pineapple Salad. They also work great as part of a brunch spread, complementing dishes like Banana Oatmeal Muffins.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Bars contains roughly 713 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 805mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen zucchini in this recipe?
Yes, frozen zucchini can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This will help maintain the right consistency in your bars.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To add a chocolatey flavor, consider folding in chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the batter. You can replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder to achieve a rich chocolate zucchini bar.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan option. Alternatively, use flaxseed meal mixed with water, where 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal combined with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).