Summer Zucchini Bars

Make the most of summer’s bounty with these light, moist, and garden-fresh Summer Zucchini Bars. Packed with shredded zucchini, kissed with citrus, and topped with a light glaze or dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are the perfect warm-weather dessert for picnics, potlucks, or afternoon tea on the patio.

Zucchini brings moisture and texture, while subtle hints of lemon or orange brighten the flavor, making these bars taste like sunshine in every bite. They’re wholesome enough for a midday snack and sweet enough for dessert—truly a versatile treat that lets you showcase seasonal produce at its best.

---

🥒 Why You’ll Love These Summer Zucchini Bars

• ✅ Light and refreshing – Not overly sweet or heavy, ideal for hot days

• 🥗 Vegetable-rich and wholesome – Great way to use up garden zucchini

• 🍋 Hints of citrus – Lemon or orange zest makes the flavor pop

• 📦 Picnic and potluck friendly – Easy to transport and share

• ❌ No pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol – Clean and family-friendly

• 🧁 Flexible finish – Glaze, powdered sugar, or go unfrosted

---

🧾 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional for a summer spice twist)

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup light olive oil or neutral oil (e.g., avocado or sunflower)

• ¾ cup cane sugar or coconut sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (or orange)

• 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (well-drained)

Optional Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon or orange juice

• ½ tsp zest for topping (optional)

---

👩‍🍳 How to Make Summer Zucchini Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prep the Zucchini

Grate your zucchini using a fine or medium grater. Use a clean dish towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is key to preventing soggy bars.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs

• Sugar

• Oil

• Vanilla extract

• Citrus zest

Add the grated zucchini and stir to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Cinnamon

• Ginger (if using)

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing or slicing.

---

🍋 Optional Citrus Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Powdered sugar

• Lemon or orange juice (start with 1 tbsp and add more as needed)

Drizzle over cooled bars and top with extra zest for brightness and color. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares.

---

🍴 How to Serve

• Serve chilled or at room temperature

• Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or Greek yogurt for extra flair

• Pair with iced herbal tea or a fruit spritzer

• Great as a light dessert or a sweet mid-morning snack

🧊 Storage Tips

In the Fridge:

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. These bars taste great cold!

In the Freezer:

Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Wrap individually and thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 1 hour.

---

✅ Tips for the Best Zucchini Bars

💡 Squeeze Out Moisture

Zucchini is over 90% water. Squeezing out the excess ensures your bars don’t turn out soggy.

💡 Don’t Skip the Zest

Lemon or orange zest brings a bright, fresh flavor that makes these bars feel summery and vibrant.

💡 Adjust Sweetness

Want it even lighter? Use ½ cup sugar instead of ¾ for a mildly sweet snack-style bar.

💡 Go Glaze-Free

For a low-sugar version, skip the glaze and sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar instead.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly softer, but still delicious.

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely. Yellow summer squash works just as well and gives the bars a slightly different visual appeal.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce to ½ cup sugar without drastically affecting texture, especially if you’re planning to use the glaze.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No need! The skin is soft and adds lovely green specks to the bars for a garden-fresh look.

Can I add nuts or fruit?

Of course! Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries to the batter for added texture and flavor.

---

🌿 Final Thoughts

Summer Zucchini Bars are the kind of recipe that captures the essence of the season—light, fresh, easy, and made with ingredients you might already have in your garden. With their soft crumb, gentle spice, and citrusy glaze, these bars are the perfect treat for sunny days, breezy picnics, or casual backyard get-togethers.

They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and sure to disappear quickly once served. Make a batch, share with friends, and celebrate the flavors of summer—one bar at a time.