Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars
Highlighted under: Flour & Frosting Recipes
Delight in these soft and chewy Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars, a delicious twist on the classic cookie that incorporates healthy zucchini for added moisture and nutrition.
These Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars are perfect for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat while sneaking in some veggies. The combination of warm spices and a hint of cinnamon makes these bars a comforting dessert.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful thanks to the addition of fresh zucchini
- Cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crunch
- Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
The Benefits of Zucchini in Baking
Zucchini is an incredibly versatile ingredient that adds moisture and nutrition to baked goods without altering the flavor significantly. When grated and incorporated into recipes, like these Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars, it keeps the bars tender and soft, resulting in a delightful texture that everyone will love. Additionally, using zucchini allows you to sneak in some veggies, making this treat a bit healthier than traditional desserts.
Rich in vitamins A and C, zucchini also provides antioxidants that can help protect your body from free radicals. This means that while you indulge in these delicious bars, you're also giving your body a nutritious boost. It's a win-win situation—satisfying your sweet tooth while nourishing your body!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a casual get-together, a birthday party, or simply craving a sweet snack, Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars are the perfect choice. Their soft, chewy texture and cinnamon sugar topping make them a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Plus, they are easy to make, allowing you to whip them up quickly without spending hours in the kitchen.
These bars also make a wonderful addition to lunchboxes or potluck gatherings. Their unique flavor profile sets them apart from other desserts, ensuring they will be a standout treat. Everyone will be asking for the recipe, and you can proudly share the secret ingredient that makes these bars so moist and delicious!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once your Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you'd like to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months—just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
For a delightful serving suggestion, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top before serving. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and elevates the presentation. Pair these bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars:
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini (drained)
- 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 soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start preparing the bars!
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars:
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 smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.
Prepare for Baking
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
Add Topping
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars and serving.
Enjoy your delicious Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars!
Tips for Perfect Bars
To ensure your Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars turn out perfectly, be sure to drain the grated zucchini well. Excess moisture can make the bars soggy, so use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to press out any extra liquid. This simple step will help maintain the ideal texture.
Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, so mix just until combined. This will keep your bars light and fluffy, allowing the flavors to shine through.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize your Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture while providing new taste experiences. Just be cautious not to add too many, as this can alter the baking time and consistency.
For a fun twist, you could also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice, to give the bars a unique flavor profile. Each variation will add a new dimension to the classic snickerdoodle taste!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
→ How do I store the bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs.
Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars
Delight in these soft and chewy Zucchini Snickerdoodle Bars, a delicious twist on the classic cookie that incorporates healthy zucchini for added moisture and nutrition.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Flour & Frosting Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini (drained)
- 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 soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
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, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars and serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g