Citrus-Infused Carrot Zucchini Delight Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the delightful combination of carrots and zucchini in these moist and flavorful bars, enhanced with a refreshing citrus-cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these bars are packed with nutrients and natural sweetness from honey and brown sugar. The addition of warm spices and optional nuts and raisins elevates the texture and taste, making each bite a heavenly experience. Serve them chilled for a deliciously creamy finish and brighten up your morning routine or afternoon tea.
36
Servings
75
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (measured)
brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (measured)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
large eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
carrots
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
zucchini
1 cup (shredded (~1 medium zucchini))
raisins
1/2 cup (optional)
chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (optional)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (measured)
honey
1/4 cup (measured)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
powdered sugar
1 cup (sifted)
lemon or orange zest
1 teaspoon (zested)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda until combined.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs with the shredded carrots, shredded zucchini, vegetable oil, honey, vanilla extract, and if desired, the chopped walnuts and raisins.
4
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will ensure the bars stay moist.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
7
For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar together in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
8
Fold in the lemon or orange zest, mixing gently until fully incorporated.
9
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the citrus-cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 36 equal bars and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
3.5 g
Fat
10.6 g
Carbs
1.1 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Citrus-Infused Carrot Zucchini Delight Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 36 equal bars.
How many calories are in each bar?
Each bar contains approximately 75 calories.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What size baking pan should I use?
You should use a 13x9-inch baking pan.
How long should the bars bake?
Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I make these bars without nuts?
Yes, the chopped walnuts are an optional ingredient.
Are raisins required for this recipe?
No, the 1/2 cup of raisins is an optional addition.
What kind of frosting is used for these bars?
The bars are topped with a citrus-infused cream cheese frosting.
Can I use orange zest instead of lemon?
Yes, you can use either 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest in the frosting.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 3.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per bar?
Each bar contains 10.6 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein do these bars contain?
There is 1.1 gram of protein per bar.
What spices are used in the batter?
The recipe uses ground ginger for a warm spice flavor.
Is honey used as a sweetener?
Yes, 1/4 cup of honey is used to add natural sweetness.
Should the cream cheese be softened before making the frosting?
Yes, use one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese for the best consistency.
How should the carrots and zucchini be prepared?
The carrots and zucchini should be shredded before being added to the batter.
How much zucchini is needed?
You will need 1 cup of shredded zucchini, which is approximately one medium zucchini.
What kind of flour is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Does the recipe use baking powder or baking soda?
It uses both: 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The two large eggs should be lightly beaten before mixing.
Should the powdered sugar be sifted?
Yes, sifting 1 cup of powdered sugar ensures a smooth and fluffy frosting.
Should I grease the pan?
Yes, lightly grease the pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
When should the frosting be applied?
Wait until the bars are completely cooled before spreading the frosting over the top.
How should the bars be stored?
The recipe recommends refrigerating the bars until ready to serve.
What type of oil is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
Can these be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, they are described as perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
What is the texture of these bars?
They are described as moist and flavorful with a creamy frosting finish.
Is vanilla extract included?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the wet ingredients.
How do you avoid making the bars too dense?
Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together and avoid overmixing to keep them moist.