Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars

Highlighted under: Cozy Desserts

Enjoy these deliciously moist and flavorful Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars that blend the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the subtle sweetness of zucchini.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-20T10:21:48.692Z

These Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars are the perfect way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your sweet tooth. The addition of zucchini keeps the bars moist and tender, while the snickerdoodle spices add a comforting warmth. Whether you're serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a snack, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Moist and tender texture from fresh zucchini
  • Delicious blend of cinnamon and sugar flavors
  • A fun twist on classic snickerdoodles
  • Perfect for using up garden zucchini

The Benefits of Baking with Zucchini

Zucchini is a versatile ingredient that often finds its way into savory dishes, but it also brings a delightful twist to baked goods. By incorporating grated zucchini into your baking, you not only add moisture but also a subtle sweetness that complements the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg in these bars. This means you can enjoy a treat that feels indulgent while sneaking in some veggies at the same time!

Furthermore, zucchini is low in calories and packed with vitamins A and C, making it a nutritious addition to your dessert repertoire. When baked, zucchini becomes tender and nearly undetectable, so even picky eaters won’t mind its presence. This allows you to create guilt-free desserts that everyone will love.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ, looking for a dessert to bring to a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat at home, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Their unique flavor profile will intrigue your guests and keep them coming back for more.

Additionally, these bars are easy to make ahead of time. You can bake a batch, store them in an airtight container, and enjoy them throughout the week. They also make for a delightful addition to lunchboxes or an after-school snack, ensuring that deliciousness is always within reach.

Tips for the Best Zucchini Bars

To achieve the best texture in your Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars, it's essential to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated zucchini. This prevents the bars from becoming soggy and ensures they bake evenly. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to gently press the zucchini and remove as much liquid as possible.

Another tip is to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This step helps them set properly, making for cleaner cuts and a more enjoyable eating experience. If you want to enhance the flavors even further, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Ingredients

For the Bars

  • 1 cup grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix the ingredients well to ensure even distribution.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.

Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. 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 before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars!

Storing and Freezing

To keep your Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for about a week without losing flavor or texture. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best experience.

For longer-term storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Pairing Suggestions

Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars are delicious on their own, but they can be even more delightful when paired with a few accompaniments. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a delightful contrast to the warm spices of the bars. This combination is especially refreshing during warmer months when you need a cool treat.

For a warm beverage pairing, consider serving these bars with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a comforting chai latte. The spices in the bars harmonize beautifully with these drinks, making for a cozy afternoon snack or dessert option that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.

→ How should I store the bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar, but the texture may vary.

→ Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars

Enjoy these deliciously moist and flavorful Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars that blend the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the subtle sweetness of zucchini.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Cozy Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 bars

What You'll Need

For the Bars

  1. 1 cup grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 1 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  5. 2 large eggs
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  8. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  10. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  11. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  12. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Topping

  1. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  2. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.

Step 05

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.

Step 06

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 3g