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Fluffy Carrot And Zucchini Bars With Citrus Cream Cheese Frosting

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Experience delightful Fluffy Carrot & Zucchini Bars! Hidden veggies add moistness to these spiced, tender treats, beautifully topped with zesty citrus cream cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup grated carrots, packed
  • 1 cup grated zucchini, packed (excess moisture squeezed out)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and grated zucchini until evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  4. Step 4: While the bars cool, prepare the citrus cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), and the powdered sugar until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or orange zest for an alternative citrus) and beat until light and fluffy.
  5. Step 5: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the citrus cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve. For firmer frosting, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Keep your frosted bars fresh and delicious by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • For the best texture and flavor, allow chilled bars to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • Elevate your presentation and flavor by garnishing each bar with a whisper of fresh citrus zest or a light dusting of cinnamon.
  • To ensure your bars achieve that perfect fluffy texture without being watery, thoroughly squeeze out all excess moisture from the grated zucchini before adding it to the batter.

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