Looking for a way to use fresh zucchini? You have to try these Carrot-Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Spicy Carrot-Zucchini Bars are covered in cream cheese frosting! An easy and delicious way to use zucchini from your garden.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
1 1/2cupsall-purpose flour
1teaspoonbaking powder
1/2teaspoonground ginger
1/2teaspooncinnamon
1/4teaspoonbaking soda
3/4cuplight brown sugar
1/2cupvegetable oil
1/4cuphoney
2large eggs, room temperature
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1 1/2cupsshredded carrots
1cupshredded zucchini, grated on the large side of a box grater
1/2cupchopped walnuts, optional
1/2cupraisins, optional
For the Frosting:
8ouncescream cheese, at room temperature
1cuppowdered sugar
1/2teaspoonvanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch metal baking pan. Put a long piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan, letting the parchment extend up two sides of the pan and overhang slightly on both ends. (This will make it easy to remove the bars from the pan) Butter the parchment.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon and baking soda; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, honey, eggs and vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in the carrots, zucchini (and optional walnuts and/or raisins) and stir just until combined.
Spread the batter into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Place the pan on a wire rack and cool completely.
To make the Frosting: Place cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as necessary.
Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cooled bars. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.For optimal results, allow to return to room temperature before serving.