Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled out a tray of freshly baked Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, a wave of warmth and sweet nostalgia washed over me. Who knew that vegetables could transform into such a delightful dessert? These bars are not only incredibly moist and soft, but they also offer a fantastic way to sneak in some nutrients, making them a guilt-free indulgence for any occasion—from cozy brunches to festive gatherings. With the beautiful blend of earthy carrots and zucchini, paired with a zesty cream cheese topping, you might just convert the toughest dessert skeptic. Are you curious to discover how these bars come together? Let’s dive in! Why will you crave these bars? Unique Flavor Combination: The delightful blend of carrots and zucchini creates a moist, flavorful base, compelling even dessert skeptics to take a bite. Healthier Indulgence: Packed with veggies, these bars are a sweet way to enjoy a dessert that feels less guilty. Versatile Ingredient Options: Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Time-Saving Treat: Quick to whip up, they bake in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy afternoons or unexpected guests. Pair them with some Cream Cheese Salami or serve at your next brunch alongside Sweet Potato Cheese bites for an inviting spread! Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars Ingredients For the Bars Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the bars soft and delicious. Zucchini – Provides moisture; be sure to squeeze out excess liquid for the right texture. All-Purpose Flour – Creates structure; use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy. Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Essential for a perfect rise; whisk them together for an even mix. Ground Ginger – Adds a warm spice flavor; adjust it to suit your taste. Brown Sugar – Brings sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor; you can use granulated sugar if needed. Vegetable Oil & Honey – Keep the bars moist and enhance sweetness; a great duo! Eggs – Binds the mixture and helps the batter rise; use room temperature eggs for best results. Walnuts (optional) – Adds a nice crunch; feel free to omit for a nut-free version. For the Frosting Cream Cheese – The creamy base for frosting, should be at room temperature for easy mixing. Lemon Zest & Juice – Brightens the frosting and balances the sweetness; a must for that tangy flavor! These Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are not just a sweet treat but a hidden gem of a vegetable dessert that you won’t want to miss! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the temperature is just right for baking your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars. While the oven heats up, you can prepare the ingredients—an ideal time to gather your mixing bowls, whisk, and an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan for later use. Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes of vigorous whisking. You’ll know it’s ready when the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has a slightly thick consistency; it’s the perfect base for your moist bars. Step 3: Fold in Veggies and Nuts Gently fold in the grated carrots and zucchini, along with the optional walnuts, if using. Make sure to incorporate them evenly into the wet mixture; this not only adds flavor but also moisture. Take your time with this step, as you want each bar to benefit from the delightful medley of veggies while keeping the mixture light and fluffy. Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda. This should take about a minute. Once well combined, it’s crucial to ensure there are no lumps in the dry ingredients—this allows for even rising and texture throughout your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars. Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to dense bars. You’re aiming for a thick batter that’s somewhat lumpy with visible flecks of the vegetables, creating that hearty texture. Step 6: Pour into Baking Pan Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 13x9x2-inch baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for even baking. This is the final shaping of your bars before they transform in the oven. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to help achieve that perfect rise while baking. Step 7: Bake the Bars Place the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end; they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden, and the center will feel set—these visual cues are essential for perfect bars. Step 8: Cool Completely Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour. Ensure they are fully cooled before moving on to the frosting to prevent melting, allowing the flavors to set beautifully. Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fluffy and smooth, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be creamy with a light, airy texture that beautifully contrasts the moist bars. This zesty frosting is what makes the spiced ginger carrot and zucchini bars truly special. Step 10: Frost the Bars Once the bars are completely cool, spread the lemon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Be gentle, as you want to maintain the lovely texture of the bars beneath. Feel free to get a little creative with the frosting for a beautiful finish—your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars are now ready to shine! Storage Tips for Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars Room Temperature: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their moisture and softness. Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the bars in the fridge for up to 5 days. Ensure they’re covered to avoid drying out or absorbing other odors. Freezer: Freeze the bars for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Wrap them individually for easier thawing, and let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating: If desired, gently warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy them soft and cozy again. What to Serve with Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Looking to create a delightful meal around these moist and spiced bars? Let’s enhance your culinary experience! Chai Tea: The warming spices in chai complement the ginger in the bars, creating a cozy pairing perfect for chilly afternoons. Fresh Fruit Salad: Brighten up your table with a refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that balance the sweetness of the bars. Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creamy yogurt adds tanginess and richness, enhancing the overall dessert experience. Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee pair beautifully with the sweet and spiced bars, ideal for a mid-morning pick-me-up. Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey on top adds a touch of extra sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast and extra creaminess. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds an additional flavor layer that harmonizes with the spiced bars. Homemade Lemonade: A glass of fresh lemonade offers a zesty refreshment that perfectly balances the sweetness of the dessert. Nuts and Seeds: Offer a small bowl of mixed nuts or seeds as a crunchy side that provides contrasting texture to the soft bars. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The richness of chocolate adds a luxurious feel, creating an enticing variety alongside your sweet treats. Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars Variations Feel free to explore these delicious variations and substitutions that can make your Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars even more irresistible! Nut-Free: Omit walnuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch without nuts. Sweet Additions: Stir in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for bursts of sweetness in every bite. Whole Grain: Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Extra Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm spices and elevate the flavor. Tropical Twist: Replace lemon zest in the frosting with fresh lime zest for a bright and zesty alternative. Decadent Treat: For a richer frosting, fold in some melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture for added sweetness and creaminess. Savory Version: Turn these into savory bars by omitting the sweetener and substituting spices with dill and chives for an appetizer-style treat that pairs excellently with tea or cocktails. These creative ideas will help you reinvent this classic dessert and share it at your next gathering alongside dishes like Cheese Grape Skewers or Zucchini Ground Beef. Enjoy! Expert Tips for Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars Moisture Management: Squeeze excess moisture from the grated zucchini and carrots to avoid dense bars. This step is key for the perfect texture! Cooling Time: Always allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the lemon cream cheese frosting from melting and losing its delightful shape. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the frosting. This enhances the tangy flavor and brings brightness to the overall taste of the bars. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so be gentle! Baking Pan Prep: Ensure your baking pan is ungreased to help the bars rise properly and achieve the right texture while baking. 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! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix the wet and dry ingredients, but hold off on folding in the grated veggies until you’re ready to bake. Refrigerate the prepared batter in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can bake the bars ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days before frosting. To keep the frosting fresh, make it just before serving. This way, you can enjoy warm, fresh bars whenever you need a sweet treat! Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs What type of zucchini should I use? I recommend medium-sized zucchinis as they contain less water, which helps maintain the texture of your bars. Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture after grating to avoid a dense result! How long can I store the bars? These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, move them to the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Can I freeze the Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars? Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. What if my bars come out too dense? If your bars turn out dense, it’s likely due to excess moisture from the vegetables or overmixing the batter. Ensure that you squeeze out all the liquid from the grated zucchini and carrots, and mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to retain a light texture. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? These bars can easily be made nut-free by omitting the walnuts. If you’re concerned about allergies, make sure to check ingredient labels, particularly for the cream cheese and any alternative sweeteners you use. What are some variations I can try? Feel free to get creative! You can swap walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. Adding chocolate chips or raisins will introduce a different sweetness, and using orange zest in the frosting can bring a delightful citrus twist. Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Frosting Delight Delight in these Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, a unique dessert that combines vegetables into a moist and guilt-free 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: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Bars2 cups grated Carrots squeeze out excess moisture1 cup grated Zucchini squeeze out excess moisture2 cups All-Purpose Flour use spoon-and-level method1 teaspoon Baking Powder1 teaspoon Baking Soda1 tablespoon Ground Ginger adjust to taste1 cup Brown Sugar can use granulated sugar1/2 cup Vegetable Oil1/2 cup Honey3 large Eggs use room temperature1 cup Walnuts optionalFor the Frosting8 oz Cream Cheese room temperature1 tablespoon Lemon Zest2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Equipment Mixing bowlsWhisk13x9x2-inch baking panSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the ingredients and an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.Gently fold in the grated carrots, zucchini, and optional walnuts until evenly incorporated.In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda until well combined.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fluffy.Frost the cooled bars evenly with the lemon cream cheese frosting. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, squeeze excess moisture from the zucchini and carrots before mixing. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to maintain the frosting's texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!