Description
Chocolate chip zucchini bars bring summer’s garden bounty into a delightful dessert that surprises and satisfies. Sweet moisture from garden zucchini merges perfectly with rich chocolate, creating a treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 zucchini (about 2 cups shredded and drained)
- 2 eggs
- 11 ounces (311 grams) milk chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cup (220 grams) flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Using a box grater, shred the zucchini into a colander or strainer, allowing excess moisture to drain while preparing other ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend softened butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until a consistent batter forms.
- Gently fold the drained zucchini and chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, carefully spreading it to create an even layer that reaches all corners and edges.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and a slight firmness when touched.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, which helps them set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into rectangular bars and serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful dessert or afternoon treat.
Notes
- Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bars and ensure a perfect texture.
- Experiment with different chocolate variations like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to customize the flavor profile and suit personal preferences.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements for a delicious alternative.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and protein boost.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg