Introducing a delightful recipe that combines the wholesome goodness of carrots and zucchini with the zesty freshness of citrus in a delectable Carrot and Zucchini Bars With Citrus-Cream Cheese Frosting! 🥕🥒🍊
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Brown sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Ground ginger | 1/2 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1/4 tsp |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Carrots, grated | 1 1/2 cups |
| Zucchini, grated | 1 cup |
| Raisins (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Walnuts, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Cream cheese | 1 package (8 oz) |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Lemons, zest | 1 lemon |
| Orange zest | 1 |
Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is ready when the batter is prepared.
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Prepare dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda. Stir well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
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Prepare wet ingredients: In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated carrots, grated zucchini, oil, honey, vanilla extract, and chopped walnuts. If you’re using raisins, add them to this mixture as well.
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Combine mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients mixture into the dry ingredients mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bars.
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Spread batter: Pour the batter into an ungreased 13×9-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
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Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean.
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Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This ensures that they set properly before frosting.
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Prepare frosting: While the bars are cooling, prepare the citrus-cream cheese frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
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Add zest: Gently fold in the lemon zest and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the frosting. The citrus zest adds a burst of flavor and aroma to the creamy frosting.
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Frost bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the citrus-cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use a spatula or knife to create a smooth finish.
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Chill: For best results, refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the frosting set and enhances the flavor.
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Serve: After chilling, cut the bars into individual servings using a sharp knife. Arrange them on a serving platter and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 112.1
- Fat: 5.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9g
- Cholesterol: 18.7mg
- Sodium: 46.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.5g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 9.9g
- Protein: 1.5g
Recipe Yield:
This recipe yields approximately 36 bars, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends or for storing in the refrigerator for a delightful treat throughout the week.
Indulge in these Carrot and Zucchini Bars With Citrus-Cream Cheese Frosting for a breakfast or snack option that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition! 🥕🥒🍋
