Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting

By Adeline

Published on July 3, 2025

These Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting are truly a revelation. They are incredibly moist and tender, packed with fresh zucchini and crunchy pecans. Moreover, the rich, nutty brown butter frosting takes them over the top!

I love making these bars in late summer. My family always begs for them. They vanish in a flash!

Why I Love This Recipe

I simply adore how these Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting fit into my busy life. They are so quick to whip up! On a weeknight, after work, these bars are a snap. Plus, the flavor always impresses my guests. It is just so comforting and delicious. They truly feel like a hug in dessert form!

Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting Ingredients

Crafting these wonderful Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting means gathering some simple, everyday items. It’s truly magic how these humble ingredients come together. They create something so incredibly special and delicious!

Granulated Sugar: This sweetens our bars perfectly.
Vegetable Oil: I use this for incredible moisture.
Large Eggs: They bind everything together.
All-Purpose Flour: Our primary dry ingredient.
Baking Powder: This helps our bars rise.
Salt: It balances all the sweet flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
Shredded Zucchini: Of course, the star! It makes them so moist.
Chopped Pecans: These add a lovely crunch.

Brown Butter Frosting:

Butter: For that amazing nutty flavor.
Powdered Sugar: The base for our smooth frosting.
Vanilla: It enhances all the sweet notes.
Milk: To get the perfect consistency.

You’ll find exact amounts in the recipe card below. Don’t worry, the instructions are super clear!

Substitutions and Tips

Sometimes, we need to adapt! For the pecans, feel free to use walnuts instead. If you don’t have enough fresh zucchini, a little extra applesauce can help. Just don’t overdo it! For the frosting, try using half-and-half for extra richness. Always remember, the goal is deliciousness!

How to Make Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting

Making these glorious Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting is truly a breeze. I promise, you don’t need to be a baking expert! Just follow these easy steps. Soon, you’ll have a pan of pure deliciousness. Let’s get baking!

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

First, preheat your oven. Set it to 350 degrees F. Grab a 15x10x1 inch pan now. Lightly grease it all over. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour. Add the baking powder and salt. Don’t forget that lovely cinnamon. Set this dry mix aside.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, get out your mixer. In its bowl, add the granulated sugar. Pour in the vegetable oil. Crack in those three large eggs. Mix these until they look perfectly smooth. It will be light and creamy. This is the start of our wonderful bars.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry

Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix them just until they are combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are totally fine. We want a tender crumb. This step is super important.

Step 4: Incorporate Zucchini and Pecans

Here is where the magic happens! Gently stir in the shredded zucchini. Then, add those chopped pecans. Fold them in by hand. Make sure everything is well distributed. The zucchini adds so much moisture. The pecans add a delightful crunch. These Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting are almost ready to bake.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour your batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. You want a toothpick to come out clean. Stick it right in the center. Let the bars cool completely before frosting. Patience is key here!

Step 6: Crafting the Brown Butter Frosting

While the bars cool, let’s make the star frosting! Get a medium saucepan. Put it over medium heat. Melt the butter in it. Whisk it constantly while it cooks. Watch for little brown bits. These are nutty flavor bombs! Remove from heat once browned. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Stir until it’s super smooth. This brown butter frosting is divine!

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy

Finally, spread the incredible brown butter frosting. Do this over the fully cooled bars. Use every last bit! Cut them into generous squares. These Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting are now ready. Share them or keep them all to yourself! They are truly irresistible.

How to Store Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting

Once cooled and frosted, these delicious Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting need proper storage. To keep them fresh and moist, I always use an airtight container. You can store them on your counter for up to 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer for about a week, pop them in the refrigerator. Just be sure they are totally sealed. This keeps them from drying out. They are wonderful chilled or at room temperature!

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the batter; a tender bar is best.
Always shred your zucchini finely.
Squeeze out extra liquid from the zucchini. This prevents soggy bars.
Cool bars completely before frosting. Warm bars will melt the frosting!
Watch your butter closely for the frosting. It can burn fast!
Taste the frosting before spreading. Adjust milk for desired thickness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer works great.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate amounts.
Grater: To shred that fresh zucchini.
15x10x1-inch Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch pan works too.
Saucepan: Essential for making that brown butter.
Whisk: To stir your frosting perfectly smooth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars with a cup of hot coffee.
They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk.
A dollop of vanilla ice cream is a yummy addition.
Garnish with a sprinkle of extra pecans.
Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting are perfect for making ahead. You can bake the bars a day or two in advance. Store them airtight at room temperature. Then, frost them right before serving. This saves you so much time!

What if I don’t have fresh zucchini?

If fresh zucchini isn’t available, you can use frozen shredded zucchini. Just make sure to thoroughly thaw it first. Then, squeeze out all the excess water. This step is super important. Otherwise, your zucchini bars might turn out too watery. The texture needs to be just right!

How do I get the perfect brown butter for the frosting?

For perfect brown butter, use a light-colored pan. This helps you see the color change. Melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk it constantly. Look for little golden-brown bits forming. It will smell nutty and wonderful! Remove it immediately when it’s done. This brown butter makes the Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting so special.

Can I freeze Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting?

Yes, you can! These Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap. Then, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying. It’s perfect for a quick treat!

Conclusion

There you have it, dear friends! These Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting are more than just a recipe. They are a little piece of home. They bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Whether you are using up a garden bounty or just need a sweet treat, this recipe delivers. It is truly a labor of love. I hope you enjoy every single bite. Happy baking!