Carrot Zucchini Bars with Lemon Frosting

why make this recipe

Carrot Zucchini Bars with Lemon Frosting are a delightful treat that combines sweet and fresh flavors in a fun way. These bars are moist and packed with nutrients from the carrots and zucchini, making them a great snack or dessert option. The refreshing lemon frosting adds the perfect touch to balance the flavors, making them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time!

how to make Carrot Zucchini Bars with Lemon Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for frosting)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the grated carrots and zucchini together.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
4. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
5. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated vegetables.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let the bars cool completely.
10. For the frosting, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth, then spread over the cooled bars.
11. Cut into squares and enjoy!

how to serve Carrot Zucchini Bars with Lemon Frosting

These bars are great as an afternoon snack or dessert. You can serve them plain or with a side of fresh fruit. They are also perfect for parties or gatherings. Just cut them into squares and place them on a platter for everyone to enjoy!

how to store Carrot Zucchini Bars with Lemon Frosting

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will be good for up to 3 months.

tips to make Carrot Zucchini Bars with Lemon Frosting

• Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini before mixing it in to prevent the bars from being too wet.
• You can add nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
• If the bars seem too dense, try using a little more baking powder for a lighter texture.

variation

For a different flavor, you can swap half of the flour with whole wheat flour or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice taste. You could also use an orange zest instead of lemon for a citrus twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-packaged shredded carrots and zucchini?

Yes, you can use pre-packaged shredded veggies, but fresh ones usually give better flavor and texture.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting or add a little more lemon juice for a tangy flavor.

Carrot Zucchini Bars with Lemon Frosting

Print Recipe

Delightful bars combining sweet carrots and zucchini with a refreshing lemon frosting, perfect for snacks or desserts.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the grated carrots and zucchini together.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
4. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
5. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated vegetables.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let the bars cool completely.
10. For the frosting, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth, then spread over the cooled bars.
11. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

Squeeze out excess moisture from grated zucchini before mixing to prevent wet bars. Optional nuts or raisins can be added for texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: carrot, zucchini, dessert, bars, lemon frosting