Decadent Caramel Zucchini Bars
These Decadent Caramel Zucchini Bars are the ultimate dessert for summer, showcasing the often-overlooked zucchini in a delightful and delicious way. The moist, spiced cake is infused with freshly grated zucchini, giving it a tender, rich texture that perfectly complements the luscious caramel frosting. With hints of nutmeg and ground cloves, these bars offer a warm and inviting flavor profile that is irresistible. Ideal for a summer gathering or as a sneaky way to incorporate veggies into your family's diet, these bars are sure to be a hit. The best part? Your loved ones will never suspect the secret ingredient lurking within! Indulge in these bars for a snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Margarine
1 1/4 cups (softened)
Brown Sugar
2 cups (packed)
Granulated Sugar
1 cup
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Eggs
2 (large)
Flour
3 cups (all-purpose)
Baking Soda
1 1/2 teaspoons
Salt
1 teaspoon
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon
Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon
Ground Cloves
1/8 teaspoon
Zucchini
2 cups (grated)
Miniature Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup
Chopped Walnuts
1/2 cup
Milk
1/4 cup
Confectioners' Sugar
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 10x15-inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of softened margarine, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and ground cloves.
4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well until combined.
5
Gently fold in the grated zucchini, miniature chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of melted margarine, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of milk. Bring the mixture to a boil.
9
Allow the mixture to boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
10
Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of confectioners' sugar until smooth and well combined.
11
Spread the warm caramel frosting over the freshly baked bars while they are still warm.
12
Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your delicious treats!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Caramel Zucchini Bars?
They are a moist, spiced summer dessert cake made with grated zucchini and topped with a luscious caramel frosting.
What is the secret ingredient in these bars?
The secret ingredient is freshly grated zucchini, which provides a tender, rich texture without being noticeable to those eating it.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
You should preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
This recipe requires a 10x15-inch baking pan.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
The baking pan should be greased and floured before adding the batter.
How long do the zucchini bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How much zucchini is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of grated zucchini.
What spices are used to flavor the bars?
The flavor profile is enhanced with nutmeg and ground cloves.
Does this recipe include chocolate?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of miniature chocolate chips folded into the batter.
Are there nuts in the Decadent Caramel Zucchini Bars?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
What ingredients are used in the caramel frosting?
The frosting consists of melted margarine, packed brown sugar, milk, and confectioners' sugar.
How do I make the caramel frosting?
Combine margarine, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan, bring to a boil for 3 minutes while stirring, then stir in confectioners' sugar until smooth.
Should the frosting be applied to hot or cold bars?
The warm caramel frosting should be spread over the freshly baked bars while they are still warm.
How many eggs are used in the batter?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs.
What kind of sugar is used in the bar batter?
The batter uses a combination of 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
How long should the frosting boil?
The frosting mixture should boil for exactly 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
Can I serve these for breakfast?
Yes, they are suggested as a snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How do I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed wet mixture, mixing well until combined.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
The recipe specifies grating the zucchini but does not require peeling it.
How much margarine is needed in total?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of margarine in total: 3/4 cup for the batter and 1/2 cup for the frosting.
Is there vanilla in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the wet mixture.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses both baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons) and baking powder (1 teaspoon).
How much confectioners' sugar is in the frosting?
The frosting requires 1 1/2 cups of confectioners' sugar.
Should I stir the frosting while it boils?
Yes, you must stir the frosting mixture constantly while it boils for 3 minutes.
When should I cut the bars into squares?
You should allow the bars to cool in the pan completely before cutting them.
Does the recipe use milk?
Yes, 1/4 cup of milk is used in the preparation of the caramel frosting.
How do you achieve a light and fluffy batter?
Cream together the margarine, sugars, vanilla, and eggs until the mixture reaches a light and fluffy consistency.
How do you incorporate the zucchini and chips?
Gently fold the grated zucchini, chocolate chips, and walnuts into the batter until evenly distributed.
Is this a good way to use garden zucchini?
Absolutely, it is described as an ultimate summer dessert and a sneaky way to incorporate vegetables into your diet.