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Butterscotch Zucchini Bars Recipe

Butterscotch Zucchini Bars Recipe

5.2 from 26 reviews

Deliciously moist and flavorful Butterscotch Zucchini Bars combine the subtle earthiness of fresh zucchini with the sweet, buttery richness of butterscotch morsels. These bars are perfect as a snack, dessert, or a treat with your afternoon coffee. The texture is tender and cake-like, with a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of vanilla. Easy to prepare and baked in a single pan, these bars offer a clever way to sneak vegetables into a tasty dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227g) butter, room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cup (350g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup finely grated and drained zucchini, packed
  • 1 1/2 cups butterscotch morsels (divided)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or grease it with butter and flour it to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the room temperature butter and packed brown sugar. Using a handheld electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on medium-low speed just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep batter tender.
  5. Add Zucchini: Gently fold in the finely grated and well-drained zucchini into the batter. The mixture should be runny; if it looks dry, let it rest for 5 minutes to allow moisture to absorb.
  6. Incorporate Butterscotch Morsels: Stir in 1 cup of the butterscotch morsels evenly throughout the batter using a spatula.
  7. Pour Batter and Top: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of butterscotch morsels on top to add a sweet finish and sticky pockets of butterscotch.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top and edges of the bars should appear darkened but not burnt.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps them set and retain moisture while making them easier to cut and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the grated zucchini is well drained to prevent the batter from becoming too watery.
  • The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • For a nutty twist, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans along with the butterscotch morsels.
  • Make sure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
  • Do not overbake; bars should be moist and tender with a slightly chewy center.

Nutrition

Keywords: butterscotch bars, zucchini dessert, zucchini bars, easy baked dessert, moist zucchini bars, butterscotch morsels, summer zucchini recipe