These Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars are a tasty treat! With hidden zucchini, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of rich caramel on top, they are both delicious and fun to eat!
Who knew veggies could taste this good? 😊 I love taking these to gatherings. They’re always a hit, and no one suspects there’s zucchini inside. It’s like a sneaky veggie win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition to these bars. You can use yellow squash as a substitute, or if you don’t have zucchini, unsweetened applesauce works, too!
Pecans: Chopped pecans bring a lovely crunch. Don’t have pecans? Try walnuts or even pumpkin seeds for a different flavor and texture.
Flours: While all-purpose flour is the go-to, you can swap half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Oils: Vegetable oil is great here, but you can also use melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier twist. Just remember that it may change the texture slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Bars Are Moist But Not Soggy?
To get perfectly moist bars without sogginess, it’s crucial to remove excess moisture from the grated zucchini. Here’s how:
- After grating zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel and twist to squeeze out extra liquid.
- Don’t skip the mixing part! Mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined to prevent over-mixing.
- If you’re worried about moisture, you can reduce the amount of oil slightly, as the zucchini contributes a lot of moisture on its own.
Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect texture in your delicious zucchini pecan bars! Enjoy baking! 😊
Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. You should also allow around 10 minutes for cooling before frosting. Overall, it’s about an hour before you can dig into these tasty bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will ensure everything is evenly distributed and your bars will bake perfectly.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until well combined and creamy. This will help create a nice moist texture for your bars.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness.
5. Mix and Fold in Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix! Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Bars:
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Prepare the Caramel Frosting:
While the bars are baking, make the caramel frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and milk or cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it boil for about 1-2 minutes while constantly stirring.
8. Finish the Frosting:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
9. Frost the Bars:
Once the bars have cooled for about 10 minutes after removing them from the oven, spread the caramel frosting evenly over the top.
10. Garnish and Cool:
If you’d like, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for an extra crunch. Let the bars cool completely so the frosting sets, then cut into squares and serve!
Enjoy these sweet, moist, and nutty bars with a luscious caramel frosting! They’re perfect for any occasion! 😊
FAQ: Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars
Can I Use a Different Type of Nut?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely flavor and crunch, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds. If you’re nut-free, you can leave them out altogether or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nice crunch.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can use grated carrots or even unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. Just remember that using applesauce will give a different flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but they may lose some softness. Just reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the bars a day in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve. Just keep them covered to stay moist. Alternatively, the unfrosted bars can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before frosting and serving!
