Do I need to squeeze the water out of the zucchini?

For a standard small zucchini, you usually do not need to squeeze out the moisture as it helps the bars stay soft. However, if you are using a very large garden zucchini that feels particularly watery, a gentle squeeze in a towel is a good idea. Too much liquid can lead to a gummy texture that never quite sets in the center.

Should I peel the zucchini before shredding it?

There is no need to peel the zucchini because the skin is very thin and softens completely as it bakes. The skin also provides those beautiful green flecks that let everyone know there is fresh garden goodness inside. Just make sure to wash the outside thoroughly to remove any garden dirt before you start grating.

Can I use large, overgrown garden zucchini for these bars?

You can use the big ones, but you should cut them in half and scoop out the large, tough seeds first. The flesh of overgrown zucchini is often a bit drier, so you might not need to drain it at all. Once you shred the remaining flesh, it will work perfectly fine in this simple batter.

How should I store these bars to keep them fresh?

Since these bars feature a cream cheese frosting, they must be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days when kept cold. Many people find that the spice flavor actually deepens and improves after the bars have chilled overnight.

Can I freeze zucchini bars for later?

These bars freeze surprisingly well, either with or without the frosting already applied. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you are ready for a treat, just let a square thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before eating.

Can I leave the cream cheese frosting off?

If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can certainly enjoy these bars plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar. They have enough moisture and flavor on their own to serve as a simple snack cake for coffee. Some folks even like to spread a little bit of butter on a plain square for a morning snack.

Best Zucchini Bars Recipe And Moist Zucchini Cake Style Bake

Description

These tender, spiced zucchini bars offer a comforting, soft crumb that perfectly highlights fresh garden produce. Topped with a decadent layer of cream cheese frosting, they are an easy and reliable treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

1/2 cup salted butter, melted
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup shredded zucchini

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Instructions

Preheat the oven. Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an eight-by-eight inch baking dish with butter or oil.
Whisk dry goods. In a medium bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, sea salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Mix wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, room temperature sour cream, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Combine into batter. Fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon, stirring just until the streaks of flour disappear.
Fold in zucchini. Gently stir the shredded zucchini into the batter with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Bake the bars. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for twenty-five to thirty minutes, or until a wooden tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and frost. Let the bars cool completely on the counter before spreading a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.

Notes

Use room temperature dairy and eggs to prevent the melted butter from solidifying into lumpy batter.
Always squeeze excess moisture from the shredded zucchini using a kitchen towel to avoid a gummy or dense texture.
Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag to ensure a tender crumb.
Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut to achieve clean, professional-looking slices through the frosting.
Store these bars in the refrigerator to maintain the perfect consistency of the cream cheese topping.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern