Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars
Highlighted under: Artisanal Baking Recipes
Delight in the sweet and spiced flavors of these Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a sweet snack!
These Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars combine the warm spices of cinnamon and sugar with the moisture of zucchini, resulting in a deliciously soft treat. They are a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables while satisfying your sweet tooth!
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Soft and chewy texture that’s irresistible
- Warm cinnamon flavor with a hint of vanilla
- A sneaky way to add veggies to your dessert
The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion
Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars are not just a treat; they are a versatile snack that suits any occasion. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars deliver a delightful sweetness that everyone will love. Their soft and chewy texture makes them perfect for sharing or enjoying solo with a cup of tea or coffee.
These bars also make a fantastic addition to lunchboxes. Packed with the goodness of zucchini, they offer a sneaky way to incorporate vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the warm cinnamon taste, making them an appealing choice for those looking to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the best texture in your Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars, ensure your zucchini is well grated and moisture is not excessive. If the zucchini seems particularly watery, consider squeezing out some of the moisture with a clean kitchen towel. This will help maintain the integrity of the bars, preventing them from becoming too soggy during baking.
Another essential tip is to avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added to the wet mixture. Mixing just until combined will ensure that your bars remain soft and chewy. Over-mixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a denser texture.
Storing Your Snickerdoodle Bars
Once your Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars are baked and cooled, you can store them to maintain their freshness. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’d like to keep them for a longer period, consider refrigerating them. They can last up to a week in the fridge, and their flavors may even deepen over time.
For even longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for that freshly baked taste.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Make sure to prepare your zucchini by grating it finely and squeezing out excess moisture if necessary.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Incorporate Zucchini
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Enjoy these delicious bars warm or at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sugar? Absolutely! While the recipe calls for both brown sugar and granulated sugar, you can experiment with alternatives like coconut sugar or even maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the liquid content if you're using syrup, as you may need to adjust the dry ingredients accordingly.
What can I substitute for zucchini? If you're not a fan of zucchini or simply don’t have any on hand, you can replace it with finely grated apples or carrots. Both options will add moisture and a hint of natural sweetness to your bars, while still keeping them healthy.
Serving Suggestions
For a special touch, consider serving your Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The combination of warm bars and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that is sure to impress your guests. Drizzling a bit of caramel sauce over the top can also elevate them to a whole new level of indulgence.
You can also dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant presentation. This simple addition can make your dessert look more appealing and inviting, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the zucchini?
Yes, you can use grated carrots or applesauce for a different flavor.
→ How do I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
→ What can I use instead of butter?
You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars
Delight in the sweet and spiced flavors of these Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a sweet snack!
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Artisanal Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 2g