Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Bliss Bars
Indulge in these Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Bliss Bars, a delightful twist on traditional brownies that combines the healthiness of zucchini with a rich, fudgy chocolate experience. Each bite is moist, flavorful, and loaded with hidden vegetables, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. The luscious chocolate frosting, enhanced with melty marshmallows, is the crowning glory of this mouthwatering dessert. Perfect for sharing, these bars have earned a special place in the hearts of friends and family alike, especially for my mother-in-law, who would do anything for another slice! A recipe featured by Taste of Home, it's guaranteed to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 cups (shredded)
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (granulated)
Canola Oil
3/4 cup (none)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (none)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (none)
Cocoa Powder
1/3 cup (unsweetened)
Baking Soda
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
Butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
Sugar
1 cup (granulated)
Milk
1/4 cup (none)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup (none)
Miniature Marshmallows
1/2 cup (none)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, sugar, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts for an added crunch.
4
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for about 30 minutes.
6
For the frosting, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently.
7
Once boiling, let it cook for an additional 1 minute while stirring constantly, then take it off the heat.
8
Mix in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and miniature marshmallows, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Add in the vanilla extract.
9
Immediately spread the warm frosting over the cooled brownies, ensuring even coverage. If you like, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top for extra texture.
10
Allow the frosting to set before cutting into bars and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Bliss Bars?
They are a rich, fudgy chocolate dessert that incorporates shredded zucchini for a moist texture, topped with a marshmallow-infused chocolate frosting.
How much zucchini do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded zucchini.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 9x13 inch baking pan should be used for these bars.
What kind of oil is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of canola oil.
How long do the bars need to bake?
They should bake for 35-40 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the bars cool before frosting?
The bars should cool for approximately 30 minutes before you apply the frosting.
What ingredients are in the chocolate frosting?
The frosting consists of butter, sugar, milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, and vanilla extract.
How long do I boil the frosting mixture?
Once the butter, sugar, and milk reach a boil, let it cook for exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly.
Are walnuts required for this recipe?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts is optional for both the batter and the topping.
What type of chocolate chips should I use for the frosting?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
How much total vanilla extract is used in the whole recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 3 teaspoons: 2 teaspoons in the batter and 1 teaspoon in the frosting.
Do I need to sift any ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
What type of cocoa powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
How much sugar is used in the frosting alone?
The frosting requires 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Is the butter for the frosting salted or unsalted?
The ingredient list specifies 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
Can I use large marshmallows for the frosting?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of miniature marshmallows to ensure they melt quickly and smoothly.
How much baking soda is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda.
What is the primary vegetable ingredient?
The primary vegetable ingredient is zucchini.
Should the frosting be cold when applied?
No, the frosting should be spread over the brownies immediately while it is still warm.
How much flour is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is this a Taste of Home recipe?
Yes, it is noted as a recipe featured by Taste of Home.
What should I do with the pan before adding the batter?
You must grease the 9x13 inch baking pan.
How much salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Does the recipe contain milk?
Yes, 1/4 cup of milk is used to create the frosting.
Is the zucchini cooked before adding to the batter?
No, the zucchini is added raw and shredded directly into the mixing bowl.
What kind of texture do these bars have?
They are described as moist and fudgy.
Can these bars be served immediately after frosting?
It is best to allow the frosting to set before cutting the bars into servings.
What is the total amount of granulated sugar in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 2 1/2 cups of granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups for the batter and 1 cup for the frosting).