These Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars are a sweet treat you won’t want to miss! They combine the goodness of zucchini with crunchy pecans and a rich caramel topping.
You won’t believe there’s zucchini in these yummy bars—it’s like a secret ingredient! I love enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side. 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: A key part of these bars, zucchini adds moisture without being noticeable. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use shredded carrots or applesauce for a similar texture.
Pecans: Chopped pecans bring a nice crunch. Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut or if there are allergies to consider.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for baking this recipe. If you’re watching your salt intake, you can use a plant-based butter or margarine. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but if you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 baking flour can be a good substitute without messing with the texture too much.
Sugars: The recipe uses both granulated and brown sugar. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar can be used, though it may change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Get My Caramel Topping Just Right?
Getting the caramel frosting perfect can be a bit tricky, but it’s worth the effort! The key is in the simmering process. Here’s how to make it right:
- Combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers. Don’t walk away!
- Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. The caramel should bubble and thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Let it cool just until pourable, but not solid, before pouring it over your cooled bars.
With practice, you’ll get a feel for the timing, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a time or two to master it! Enjoy your baking! 🥳
Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bar Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 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 shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time. You’ll want to allow at least an hour in the fridge for the caramel frosting to set up properly after you pour it on. Overall, it takes around 2 hours from start to enjoying your bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your delicious bars come out easily once baked!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until well mixed. This will be the dry mix that adds flavor and structure to your bars. Set it aside for later.
3. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and light in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s a great workout for your mixer!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until combined. This gives a wonderful aromatic flavor to the bars.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Next, gently fold in the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix it just until combined—don’t over-mix or your bars may be tough!
6. Add Zucchini and Pecans:
Carefully fold in the shredded zucchini and chopped pecans. This is where the magic happens—Zucchini adds moisture, while pecans add crunch!
7. Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. It may look like a lot, but trust me, it’s going to bake down beautifully!
8. Bake the Bars:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
9. Prepare the Caramel Frosting:
While the bars cool, prepare the delicious caramel frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer.
10. Simmer Until Thickened:
Allow it to simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once it’s thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
11. Cool the Caramel:
Let the caramel cool slightly until it thickens but remains pourable. This is crucial for that perfect drizzle over the bars!
12. Frost the Bars:
Pour the caramel frosting evenly over the cooled zucchini bars, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
13. Add Optional Pecans:
If you like, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor. It gives a nice presentation, too!
14. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to set the caramel frosting properly. Once set, cut them into squares and enjoy your treats!
Enjoy your delicious Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars! They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends! 😋
FAQ: Caramel Frosted Zucchini Pecan Bars
Can I Use Other Types of Nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans add a great flavor and crunch, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds based on your preference or allergies. Just chop them up before adding to the batter!
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months! Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing.
Can I Skip the Caramel Frosting?
Yes, you can! The bars are delicious on their own without the caramel frosting if you prefer a lighter treat or want to cut down on sweetness. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a simple touch instead!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Zucchini?
No problem! If fresh zucchini isn’t available, you can use frozen shredded zucchini. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
