Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled a warm tray of Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting from the oven, the aroma of baking spices whisked me back to cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a vibrant testament to how vegetables can shine even in the sweetest of treats. Perfect for those busy days when you crave something satisfying yet wholesome, this recipe offers a simple way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the zesty cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang, making each bite irresistible! So, are you ready to transform your kitchen into a paradise of deliciousness? Let’s dive in! Why Will You Love These Bars? Unique Twist: These bars blend carrots and zucchini, proving that desserts can be nutritious without compromising on taste. Moist and Tender: With their rich texture, these bars are moist and dense, making them a satisfying treat for any occasion. Heavenly Frosting: The lemon cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the warm spices, creating a delightful balance. Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike. Versatile Pairing: Serve alongside a steaming cup of chai or fresh fruit for a nourishing snack that’s ideal for brunch or afternoon tea! If you’re looking for more delightful ideas, check out our recipes for Carrot Cake Bars or Lemon Sugar Cookies. Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars Ingredients For the Batter • Eggs – Provide structure and moisture; make sure they are at room temperature for the best results. • Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor; light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably. • Oil – Contributes moisture and richness; use vegetable or canola oil for a neutral flavor. • Honey – Natural sweetness; can be replaced with additional sugar if desired for a sweeter kick. • Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor complexity; no substitutions are necessary for this key ingredient. • Carrots – The primary flavor and sweetness source; fresh grated carrots are recommended for optimal taste. • Zucchini – Adds moisture and texture; choose middle-sized zucchini and squeeze out excess water before use. • Walnuts (optional) – Introduces delightful crunch; can be omitted for a nut-free version. • All-Purpose Flour – Provides the necessary structure; remember to use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measuring. • Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bars rise and become fluffy. • Baking Soda – Works with acid in the recipe for gentle leavening. • Ground Ginger – Spices the bars with warmth; consider substituting with fresh ginger for a more robust flavor. For the Frosting • Lemon Zest – Brightens the flavor profile of the frosting; always use fresh zest for the best aromatic quality. • Cream Cheese – Serves as the creamy base for the frosting; ensure this is at room temperature for easy mixing. These Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat while incorporating healthy veggies! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars. While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients and have a 13×9-inch baking pan ready to ensure a smooth process. Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, oil, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined; don’t worry about minor lumps from the brown sugar. This mixture should be smooth and uniform. The wet ingredients provide the moisture and flavor that create the delicious bars you’ll love. Step 3: Add the Vegetables Gently fold in the freshly grated carrots and zucchini along with walnuts if you choose to include them. Take care to mix just until incorporated; this will keep your bars moist while adding a delightful texture. The colorful vegetables will enrich the batter, making your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars not only tasty but visually appealing. Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda. This mix serves to evenly distribute the leavening agents essential for giving your bars height and fluffiness. Incorporating dry ingredients separately helps achieve a consistent texture in the final baked bars. Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to denser bars. The batter should be slightly lumpy, and the spices will begin to shine through. This perfect blend is what makes your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars truly delicious. Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan Spread the batter evenly into the ungreased 13×9-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake. This helps the bars rise uniformly and cook nicely. It’s important to create a level surface so that they bake evenly throughout, guaranteeing a delightful treat. Step 7: Bake the Bars Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time for the perfect texture. Step 8: Cool Completely Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. It’s vital to let them cool completely before frosting to ensure the cream cheese frosting stays thick and doesn’t melt into a runny mess. Step 9: Prepare the Frosting While the bars are cooling, beat together the cream cheese and fresh lemon zest until fluffy. Ensuring the cream cheese is at room temperature makes this process much smoother and easier. This tangy frosting will perfectly complement the warm spices of your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars. Step 10: Frosting the Bars Once your bars are completely cool, generously spread the lemon cream cheese frosting over the top. This rich layer of frosting adds a zesty sweetness that balances the spiced bars beautifully. Make sure each square is well-covered for that perfect bite. Step 11: Slice and Serve Finally, slice your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars into squares. These bars are wonderful served with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful texture and flavors that come together with each bite! Expert Tips for Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars • Moisture Management: Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from grated zucchini and carrots; this prevents dense bars and ensures a light texture. • Accurate Measurements: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour correctly; packing it can lead to overly dense bars. • Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting; frosting them while warm can cause it to melt and run. • Easy Frosting: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing; this helps achieve a smooth and fluffy lemon cream cheese frosting. • Baking Time Check: Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes; every oven is different, and you want perfectly baked Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars. Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars Variations Feel free to get creative with these delightful bars; your kitchen will be filled with even more wonderful aromas! Maple Sweetener: Swap honey for maple syrup for a unique flavor profile that’s equally delicious. Veggie Twist: Replace zucchini with grated sweet potato for a subtle sweetness and a vibrant orange hue. Nutty Alternatives: Use chopped pecans or sliced almonds instead of walnuts for different textures and flavors. Each nut brings its own distinct personality to the mix. Spice It Up: Enhance the warmth by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some ground cinnamon for a truly invigorating dessert. Savory Flair: Introduce a twist by adding a dash of freshly grated nutmeg or even a bit of black pepper to the batter for an unexpected kick. Zesty Boost: Mix in some orange zest along with the lemon zest in the frosting to brighten the flavors even more. Fruity Addition: Fold in some chopped apples or crushed pineapple to the batter for a fruity surprise that elevates taste and texture. Frosting Variety: Try swapping the cream cheese frosting for a creamy coconut frosting for a tropical touch that’s absolutely heavenly. Don’t forget to check out these tasty treats that also offer a fun way to incorporate veggies: Baked Oatmeal Bars or reward yourself with some Fudgy Cookies Cream for a decadent indulgence! What to Serve with Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting These vibrant treats offer a delightful sweetness, so complementing them with the right additions can elevate your dessert game to new heights. Chai Tea: This spiced tea melds beautifully with the flavors, enhancing the warm spices in your bars. Perfect for cozy afternoons! Fresh Berries: A medley of ripe strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing burst of acidity that balances the sweetness of the frosting. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds fluffy texture, bringing a lightness that contrasts the dense bars. Mint-Infused Water: Infuse cool water with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing palate cleanser that complements the tangy lemon frosting wonderfully. Greek Yogurt: A scoop of creamy Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey provides a tangy counterpart that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Honey-Cinnamon Roasted Apples: These warm apples bring a comforting sweetness and a touch of spice, harmonizing perfectly with the flavors of the bars. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy cookies introduce a delightful chewiness and sweetness that pairs well with the spiced notes of your dessert. Pairing these items with your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars creates a delightful spread, making your gathering an invitation for indulgent delight! How to Store and Freeze Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars Fridge: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s best to wait to frost them until ready to serve to maintain optimal texture and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped pieces separated by wax paper for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying. Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, briefly heat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will revive the flavors and provide a delightful experience again! Serving Note: When serving after storage, consider adding a fresh dollop of lemon cream cheese frosting for that zesty kick that makes these Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars truly irresistible! Make Ahead Options These Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours ahead by mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately and storing them in the refrigerator. Just remember to refrigerate the grated carrots and zucchini as well to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to bake, combine the wet and dry mixtures and follow the baking instructions. For the frosting, you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, simply frost the cooled bars, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress family and friends with minimal effort! Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right carrots and zucchini for my bars? When selecting carrots and zucchini, opt for firm, vibrant vegetables that feel heavy for their size. Fresh carrots should be orange without dark spots, while zucchini should have a smooth skin without blemishes. For zucchini, medium-sized ones are best to avoid excess moisture; don’t forget to squeeze out any extra liquid before adding them to your batter! What’s the best way to store leftovers of the Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars? Store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend leaving off the frosting until you’re ready to serve to ensure the texture remains light and fluffy. This way, you can enjoy them as if they were freshly baked! Can I freeze Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars? If so, how? Absolutely! To freeze your bars, first let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, layering them with wax paper to prevent sticking. Place the wrapped bars in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or leave at room temperature for about 30 minutes. What if my bars come out too dense or dry? If your bars are dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter or not draining enough moisture from the zucchini and carrots. To ensure light bars, mix only until combined and make sure those veggies are well-drained. If they come out dry, you might have overbaked them. Begin checking for doneness around 20 minutes to pull them out right when a toothpick comes clean. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind, such as allergies? Definitely! If you’re making these bars for someone with nut allergies, simply leave out the walnuts. The recipe is already quite versatile, so you can substitute with pumpkin seeds for added crunch if desired. Always check for any other specific dietary restrictions your guests may have, such as gluten intolerance, and consider using a gluten-free flour blend for a safe alternative. What’s the key to making the lemon cream cheese frosting smooth? To achieve that perfectly smooth and fluffy lemon cream cheese frosting, always use cream cheese that’s at room temperature. This makes it easier to beat and incorporate air into the frosting. Make sure to blend the cream cheese thoroughly before adding any other ingredients, and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to mix everything evenly! Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Frosting Delight These Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious blend of vegetables and spices, perfect for a wholesome treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Batter2 large Eggs at room temperature1 cup Brown Sugar light or dark1/2 cup Oil vegetable or canola1/4 cup Honey or additional sugar1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract2 cups Carrots fresh grated2 cups Zucchini squeezed of excess water1 cup Walnuts optional2 cups All-Purpose Flour scooped using the spoon-and-level method1 teaspoon Baking Powder1 teaspoon Baking Soda1 teaspoon Ground Ginger substitute with fresh ginger if desiredFor the Frosting1 tablespoon Lemon Zest fresh8 ounces Cream Cheese at room temperature Equipment mixing bowlWhiskbaking panspatula Method Baking InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all ingredients and have a 13x9-inch baking pan ready.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, oil, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.Gently fold in the freshly grated carrots and zucchini along with walnuts if used.In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda.Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.Spread the batter evenly into the ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan.Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes.Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan.While the bars are cooling, beat together the cream cheese and fresh lemon zest until fluffy.Once the bars are completely cool, evenly spread the lemon cream cheese frosting over the top.Slice your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars into squares and serve. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesStore the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It's best to frost them just before serving to maintain the texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
