These Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars are the perfect treat! With a moist and tender base made from zucchini and crunchy pecans, each bite is a delightful surprise.
Don’t worry, you won’t taste the veggies! The caramel frosting on top adds a sweet, sticky touch that makes these bars hard to resist. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream—it’s pure joy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh grated zucchini is essential for moisture. You can use any type, but I prefer medium zucchini. If zucchini is hard to find, shredded carrots can be a fun alternative!
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to substitute with sunflower seeds, or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
Baking Ingredients: The combination of granulated and brown sugar gives depth of flavor. For a healthier option, you could use coconut sugar, but this may affect the texture slightly.
Caramel Frosting: Unsalted butter is best for control over saltiness. If you’re in a hurry, pre-made caramel sauce can be used instead of making frosting from scratch!
How Do You Ensure Moist Bars Without Excess Water?
One challenge of using zucchini is its water content. To avoid soggy bars, it’s important to squeeze out as much moisture as possible after grating. Here’s how to do it:
- After grating the zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel.
- Wrap the towel tightly around the zucchini and twist to squeeze out the liquid.
This helps achieve the perfect texture in your bars, allowing them to stay moist but not watery.
What’s the Best Technique for Making the Caramel Frosting?
The caramel frosting is a showstopper! Here’s how to make it smooth and creamy:
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in brown sugar and milk.
- Bring to a gentle boil and let it boil for 1-2 minutes while stirring; this helps caramelize the sugar.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before mixing in powdered sugar to prevent graininess.
This technique results in a rich, glossy frosting that’s perfect for drizzling over your bars!
With these tips and insights, you’re all set to make some amazing Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars! Enjoy baking!
Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini), squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust for desired thickness)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes approximately 15-20 minutes to prep. You’ll need about 25-30 minutes to bake the bars. After that, allow for about 10-15 minutes of cooling time before frosting, and an additional 30 minutes for the frosting to set in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy your tasty bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First thing’s first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate your medium zucchini using a medium-sized grater. Then, take the grated zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This will help keep your bars from becoming too soggy.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until everything is well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s incorporated.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg.
5. Mix the Batter:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix! Now, fold in the squeezed zucchini and chopped pecans into the batter.
6. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden.
7. Make the Caramel Frosting:
While the bars are baking, you can prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the packed brown sugar and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
8. Finish the Frosting:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before mixing in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you achieve your desired frosting consistency—smooth and spreadable.
9. Frost the Bars:
After the bars have cooled for about 10 minutes in the pan, spread the caramel frosting evenly over the warm bars. This will help the frosting melt slightly into the bars.
10. Cool Completely:
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. For easier serving, you can refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes so the frosting sets nicely.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, cut the bars into squares, serve, and enjoy your delicious Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars! They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
With these steps, you’ll create a delightful treat that’s sure to impress! Happy baking!
FAQ for Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars
Can I Substitute the Zucchini with Another Vegetable?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of zucchini, you can substitute it with shredded carrots or even applesauce for added moisture and sweetness. Just ensure any substitute is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
What If I Don’t Have Pecans?
No problem! You can easily replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts altogether.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to layer parchment paper between bars if you’re stacking them!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the bars a day in advance and frost them when you’re ready to serve. Just keep the frosted bars covered to prevent them from drying out.
This FAQ should help address common concerns and make your baking experience even smoother!
