Fall Zucchini Dessert Bars

As the crisp air of fall settles in, it’s the perfect time to embrace cozy, comforting desserts that highlight the season’s best flavors. These Fall Zucchini Dessert Bars combine moist shredded zucchini with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a deliciously soft and flavorful treat that’s ideal for autumn gatherings, pumpkin patches, or Sunday afternoon tea.

Not only do these bars taste like fall in every bite, but they also offer a sneaky way to enjoy vegetables in dessert form, making them a win-win for families and entertaining guests alike.

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Why You’ll Love These Fall Zucchini Dessert Bars

• 🍂 Bursting with fall spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove

• 🥒 Moist and tender thanks to fresh zucchini

• 🍁 Perfect balance of sweet and spice — just right for the season

• 🎃 Great for fall get-togethers and holiday baking

• ❌ No pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol — safe and family-friendly

• 🧁 Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

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Ingredients for Fall Zucchini Dessert Bars

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (well drained)

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

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Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Prep the Zucchini

Grate zucchini using a medium grater. To avoid soggy bars, place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the drained zucchini.

Step 5: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in nuts and dried fruit if using.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars should be golden on top and springy to the touch.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.

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Optional Vanilla Glaze

Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars and let set before slicing.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or chai tea

• Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert

• Pack in lunchboxes as a sweet afternoon snack

• Offer at fall potlucks or holiday parties

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Storage Tips

• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days

• Refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness

• Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months — thaw overnight in the fridge

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FAQ: Fall Zucchini Dessert Bars

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version. Texture may be slightly softer but still delicious.

What if I don’t like nuts?

You can omit nuts completely or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.

Can I use frozen zucchini?

Yes, but thaw fully and squeeze out excess moisture before using.

How do I make these bars less sweet?

Reduce brown sugar to ½ cup or substitute with coconut sugar for a more subtle sweetness.

Can I add other spices?

Absolutely! A pinch of ginger or allspice can add extra warmth and complexity.

Final Thoughts

These Fall Zucchini Dessert Bars perfectly capture the cozy essence of autumn with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a school event, or just craving that seasonal comfort, these bars offer a delicious balance of warm spices, moist texture, and subtle sweetness — all while sneaking in the goodness of fresh zucchini.

Baking these bars is simple, the ingredients are pantry-friendly, and the results are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. So grab your zucchini, embrace the flavors of fall, and bake yourself some sweet autumn memories.