Growing up, my mom always insisted that desserts needed chocolate to be worth making. It’s just how things were in our house. However, these Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting have changed the game for me. Perfect for any occasion, from spring gatherings to cozy family nights, these bars blend the warmth of spices with the freshness of veggies. The creamy lemon frosting adds a delightful zing, making them irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Enjoy the warm spices and fresh veggies that create a unique taste experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Nutritious Treat: Sneak in vegetables without sacrificing flavor—ideal for kids and adults alike!
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect as a snack or dessert, suitable for various occasions like potlucks or afternoon tea.
- Lemon Twist: The creamy lemon frosting elevates the bars and adds a refreshing finish.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious bars, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grater
- Baking dish (9×9 inch)
- Spatula
- Electric mixer (for frosting)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients evenly.
- Grater: Use this to easily prepare your carrots and zucchini, ensuring they are finely shredded for the best texture.
- Electric mixer: Helps whip up the lemon cream cheese frosting quickly, creating a smooth and fluffy consistency.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrot
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups regular flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
For the Frosting
- 1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Make Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you mix your batter.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Lightly beaten eggs
2. Brown sugar
3. Canola oil
4. Honey
5. Vanilla extract
Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Add Grated Veggies
Fold in:
– Grated carrot
– Grated zucchini
– Chopped walnuts
Mix gently until combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
– Regular flour
– Baking powder
– Ground ginger
– Baking soda
Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars are cooling:
1. In another mixing bowl, beat together reduced-fat cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth.
2. Fold in lemon zest for added flavor.
Step 7: Frost the Bars
Once the bars are completely cool, spread an even layer of lemon cream cheese frosting on top.
Enjoy your delightful Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting! They are sure to impress anyone who tries them!
How to Serve Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
These Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
For an Afternoon Snack
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting break.
- Pair with fresh fruit slices for a refreshing contrast.
At a Family Gathering
- Cut into bite-sized squares for easy sharing.
- Arrange on a platter with colorful garnishes like mint leaves or edible flowers.
As a Birthday Treat
- Top with extra lemon zest for a festive touch.
- Add sprinkles or colored icing to make them more celebratory.
For Meal Prep
- Wrap individually in parchment paper for grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
How to Perfect Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh carrots and zucchini will provide the best flavor and moisture.
- Grate Finely: Make sure to grate the carrots and zucchini finely for even distribution throughout the bars.
- Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if they’re done; it should come out clean when inserted in the center.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Experiment with Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, try pecans or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey or sugar based on your sweetness preference.
Best Side Dishes for Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars can elevate your meal. Here are some wonderful options.
- Light Salad: A mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the sweet bars nicely.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds freshness that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that enhances the dessert experience.
- Cheese Plate: Include mild cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta for a savory balance.
- Herbal Tea: Serve alongside chamomile or mint tea for a soothing pairing that highlights the flavors of the bars.
- Vegetable Crudités: Crunchy vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers provide a healthy contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, there are a few common errors that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to an uneven mixture. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before starting.
- Over-grating vegetables: Grating carrots and zucchini too finely can make the bars soggy. Aim for a medium grate for the best texture.
- Skipping the baking powder: Forgetting this ingredient can result in dense bars. Ensure your baking powder is fresh and correctly measured.
- Not measuring flour properly: Using too much flour will make your bars dry. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Undercooking the bars: Removing them from the oven too early can lead to a raw center. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute other vegetables for zucchini?
Yes, you can use other mild vegetables like squash or even pumpkin puree instead of zucchini in the recipe.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
To make Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy cream cheese.
How long do these bars last at room temperature?
Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars will keep well at room temperature for about 2 days if stored in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting offer a delightful balance of flavors that make them perfect as snacks or desserts. These bars are versatile; you can customize them by adding nuts, seeds, or even swapping spices based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious treat made healthier!
Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the delightful taste of Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist and flavorful bars combine the warmth of ginger and spices with the natural sweetness of carrots and zucchini, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Topped with a zesty lemon cream cheese frosting, each bite offers a refreshing balance that will please both kids and adults alike. Whether served as an afternoon snack or dessert at gatherings, these bars are versatile, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that sneaks in veggies without compromising on flavor!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrot
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla extract until blended.
- Fold in grated carrots, grated zucchini, and chopped walnuts.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth; then fold in lemon zest.
- Once cooled, frost the bars and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (55g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg