Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing

By Adeline

Published on July 2, 2025

There’s nothing quite like a moist, warmly spiced dessert, and these Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing truly hit the spot. They are wonderfully tender, almost cake-like, with just the right amount of sweetness. The fresh zucchini ensures every bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.

I often make these for family gatherings or when I need a comforting treat. Everyone always raves about them, and they disappear so quickly! These bars keep beautifully, too, making them perfect for sharing.

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly? These Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing are just pure magic. They are:

So easy to make: Mix everything in one bowl!
Incredibly flavorful: Warm spices dance with that tangy cream cheese.
A crowd-pleaser: Everyone, even picky eaters, asks for more.
Perfect for any day: From a cozy family dessert to a party showstopper.

They’re a quick fix for cravings and always impress my friends!

Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is like setting the stage for a delicious play. This recipe for Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing brings together pantry staples and fresh goodness. They blend perfectly for a treat everyone will adore.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bars

Freshly grated zucchini: This adds incredible moisture and sneaky nutrition.
All-purpose flour: Our dependable base for a tender crumb.
Baking powder: It’s our secret for a light and airy bar.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: These warm spices bring cozy comfort.
Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweet flavors.
Brown sugar: It gives a deep, rich sweetness and chewiness.
Coconut oil (melted): This keeps the bars super moist and tender.
Large eggs: They bind everything together.
Vanilla extract: A splash enhances all the other flavors.

The Creamy Icing Essentials

Cream cheese: This makes our icing tangy and oh-so-rich.
Unsalted butter: It adds creaminess and smooth texture.
Powdered sugar: For that classic, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth icing.
Vanilla extract: Another dash here boosts the sweet creaminess.

Substitutions and Tips

Cooking is about flexibility, right? If you’re out of coconut oil, use vegetable oil instead. No fresh nutmeg? A little extra cinnamon works too. For the icing, always use full-fat cream cheese for the best results. Don’t worry about exact amounts now. All the precise measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing

Making these delightful Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing is truly a breeze. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic treat. I promise, it’s easier than you think!

Preparing Your Pan and Zucchini

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab a 10 by 15-inch sheet pan. Spray it well with nonstick spray. Coconut oil spray works beautifully here. Now, the zucchini! This is super important. Grate your zucchini fresh. Then, put it in a large kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Really give it a good squeeze. This step makes all the difference!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Next, get a medium bowl. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Don’t forget that tiny bit of nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures even flavor distribution.

Combining Wet Ingredients

Now, in a larger bowl, whisk the brown sugar. Add the melted coconut oil. Beat in the lightly beaten eggs. Stir in the vanilla extract too. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. This is the heart of your bar batter.

Folding in the Zucchini

Pour your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold them gently until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Then, add the squeezed zucchini. Fold it in until it’s evenly dispersed. The batter will look moist and lovely.

Baking the Zucchini Bars

Spread the batter evenly in your greased pan. Pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Test for doneness. Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean. The bars should not be jiggly in the center. Let them cool completely. Patience is a virtue here!

Crafting the Cream Cheese Icing

While the bars cool, make that glorious icing. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar slowly. Beat until it’s well combined. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. It should be wonderfully creamy and spreadable. This icing is so decadent on these Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing.

Frosting and Finishing Touches

Once your bars are totally cool, it’s frosting time! Spread that creamy icing generously. Make sure every bar gets a good dollop. I love to pop mine in the fridge. We enjoy them best when they are nice and cold. This simple step truly elevates the flavor!

How to Store Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing

Storing these yummy Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing is simple. Once frosted, they need to be in the fridge. The cream cheese icing really loves the cold. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them super fresh and moist. They will last for about 3 to 5 days. For even longer storage, you can freeze them. Freezing is perfect for make-ahead treats. Just wrap them well before freezing.

Tips for Success

Squeeze zucchini really dry. This stops soggy bars.
Measure flour correctly. Too much makes them dense.
Don’t overmix the batter. Gentle folding is key.
Cool bars completely before frosting. Warm bars melt icing.
Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth icing.
A baking sheet with sides works best. Avoid muffin tins.
Taste the icing before spreading. Adjust sweetness if needed.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes baking a joy. For these Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing, you’ll need a few basics:

Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
Whisks: For blending dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
Sheet pan (10×15 inch): Perfect for baking bars evenly.
Kitchen towel: Crucial for squeezing out zucchini moisture.
Electric mixer (handheld or stand): Makes creamy icing a breeze.
Spatula: For spreading batter and icing.

Serving Suggestions

These Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing are delightful on their own. But if you want to elevate them:

Serve with a hot cup of coffee.
A glass of cold milk is excellent.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Add a few fresh mint leaves.
They’re perfect for potlucks.
Great as a school lunch treat.
Ideal for afternoon tea parties.
Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing are perfect for making ahead. Bake the bars and make the icing, then store them separately. Frost them right before serving for the freshest taste.

What if I don’t have coconut oil?

No worries at all! If you don’t have coconut oil, you can easily use an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted butter. The bars will still turn out wonderfully moist and delicious.

How long do Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. They tend to get even moister the next day!

Can I freeze these zucchini bars?

Yes, you certainly can! For best results, freeze the unfrosted zucchini bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

Conclusion

And there you have it, friends! These Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing are truly a joy to bake and even more so to eat. They bring such warmth and comfort right into your kitchen. Every bite is a little piece of happiness, combining that lovely spice with creamy sweetness. I hope you feel as much delight making them as I do. Share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself. Either way, you’re in for a treat. Happy baking and digging in!