These Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars are a fun and tasty treat! Moist zucchini and crunchy pecans blend well together, covered in a sweet caramel frosting that makes every bite special.
Honestly, who knew veggies could taste this good? I love serving these bars warm, straight from the pan. They disappear fast, and I can always blame it on the zucchini being healthy! 😂
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bars. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, which works well in most recipes. I’ve had success with almond or coconut flour, but be sure to adjust the liquid slightly.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. If you can’t find zucchini, summer squash is a great substitute! Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture so the bars don’t get soggy.
Pecans: These add a lovely crunch! If you’re allergic or don’t have them, walnuts or even sunflower seeds can work well. You can also skip nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free treat.
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness and saltiness. If you’re looking for a vegan option, coconut oil or vegan butter would work, but keep an eye on the melting point!
How Do I Get The Perfect Caramel Frosting?
Making caramel frosting can be tricky, but a few simple tips will help you nail it! Start by melting the butter over medium heat, then add brown sugar and milk and bring it to a boil while stirring continuously.
- Boil for just 1 minute to avoid burning.
- Let it cool slightly before adding powdered sugar; this prevents it from melting and ensures a nice spreadable consistency.
- If the frosting feels too thick, just add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired texture.
Trust me, this frosting is worth the little extra effort! Enjoy spreading it while still warm for a gooey finish.
Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk or cream)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for sprinkling on top, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 35 to 40 minutes for baking. You’ll want to allow another 10 minutes for the frosting preparation. It’s perfect for a weekend baking project, totaling around 1 hour and 5 minutes before you enjoy these delightful bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make cleanup easier, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix will add structure and flavor to your bars, so set it aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Sugars and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in lovely, soft bars!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that delightful flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want fluffy bars, not dense ones!
6. Fold in Zucchini and Pecans:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chopped pecans. This will add moisture and a nice crunch to your bars!
7. Pour into the Pan:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
8. Bake:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they’re ready!
9. Make the Caramel Frosting:
While the bars are baking, you can prepare the caramel frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then stir in brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly for 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn!
10. Whisk in Powdered Sugar:
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the caramel mixture cool for about 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
11. Frost the Bars:
Once the bars are done and slightly cooled (but still warm), spread the caramel frosting evenly over the top. You want to cover those delicious bars generously!
12. Add Toppings:
If you like, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the frosting for an extra crunch. It makes everything look more inviting too!
13. Cool and Cut:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps the frosting to set and make for cleaner cuts.
14. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to indulge! Serve these rich, moist zucchini bars with that sweet caramel frosting and a delightful pecan crunch. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars
Can I Use a Different Type of Sweetener?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor, so adjust to taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature for the best taste!
Can I Freeze These Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Once cooled and frosted, cut them into squares and place them in layers separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge!
What If I Don’t Have Pecans?
No worries! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a different flavor and crunch. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version of these delicious bars!
