Looking for a sweet treat that’s both indulgent and a little sneaky with its healthy ingredients? These Butterscotch Zucchini Bars are your answer! A deliciously rich and buttery dessert that tastes like a blondie, yet packs in the goodness of finely grated zucchini. This irresistible treat is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as an after-dinner snack. Don’t worry—no one will know it has zucchini in it, but they’ll love the moist texture and burst of butterscotch flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Butterscotch Zucchini Bars combine the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of butterscotch with the hidden goodness of zucchini. The zucchini keeps the bars incredibly moist, while the butterscotch morsels add just the right amount of sweetness. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that only takes about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your dessert without anyone noticing!
Ingredients
Tip: you’ll find full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
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1 cup (227g) butter, room temperature
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1 3/4 cup (350g) brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cup finely grated and drained zucchini, packed
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1 1/2 cups butterscotch morsels
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or grease with butter and flour to prevent the bars from sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and brown sugar. Using a hand-held mixer, cream the two ingredients together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until fully combined, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Add Zucchini
Add the finely grated and drained zucchini to the mixture and stir on low speed. The mixture will be a bit runny, but don’t worry! If it seems dry, let it sit for 5 minutes to let the zucchini release its moisture.
Step 6: Add Butterscotch Morsels
Fold in 1 cup of butterscotch morsels using a spatula. This will add those gooey pockets of butterscotch throughout the bars.
Step 7: Pour into Pan and Add Toppings
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of butterscotch morsels on top for a delicious finish.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for about 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few crumbs but not wet batter. The top should be dark and slightly cracked around the edges.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.
Variations
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Add nuts: For a little crunch, mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
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Make it spicier: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of ginger for a warm, spiced version.
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Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free.
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Use other add-ins: Try adding raisins, coconut flakes, or even mini chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Heating and Storage
These Butterscotch Zucchini Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds to get that soft, fresh-baked texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of sugar?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or any other sweetener of your choice in place of brown sugar. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini. Just be sure to grate it finely and drain it well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the bars.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. If using gluten-free flour, make sure it’s a 1:1 blend that can replace all-purpose flour.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store the leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe without the butterscotch morsels?
Yes, you can replace the butterscotch morsels with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruit like raisins for a different flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan (such as a 9×13-inch or 10×15-inch). Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden, the edges are slightly crispy, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can make these bars vegan by using non-dairy butter, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan butterscotch chips or chocolate chips.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these bars in a smaller pan?
Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan, but keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
Conclusion
These Butterscotch Zucchini Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, chewy, and comforting, with the hidden goodness of zucchini. They’re a fun and sneaky way to enjoy a veggie-packed dessert that tastes like a decadent blondie! Whether you’re baking for a holiday, family dinner, or just indulging in a sweet treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. Give them a try—your taste buds will thank you
Print
Butterscotch Zucchini Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Butterscotch Zucchini Bars are a delightful, secretly healthy treat! With a rich butterscotch flavor and hidden zucchini, they offer a soft, chewy texture that will satisfy your sweet tooth while sneaking in some veggies. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
1 cup (227g) butter, room temperature
1 3/4 cup (350g) brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup finely grated and drained zucchini, packed
1 1/2 cups butterscotch morsels
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1/3 cup cane granulated sugar, for rolling
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, for rolling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or grease it with butter and flour.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
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Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
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Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined (don’t overmix).
Step 4: Add Zucchini
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Stir in the grated and drained zucchini. The dough may appear slightly runny; this is normal, as the zucchini will release moisture.
Step 5: Add Butterscotch Morsels
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Fold in 1 cup of butterscotch morsels.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
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In a small bowl, combine cane sugar and ground cinnamon for rolling.
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Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place them on the prepared pan. Leave space between each dough ball.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of butterscotch morsels on top of the dough in the pan.
Step 7: Bake
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Bake for 8-12 minutes or until the edges are set, the top is golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs.
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The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
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Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Add nuts: For a crunchy texture, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Make it spicier: Add ground cinnamon or a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
- Dairy-free version: Swap out butter for dairy-free butter and use dairy-free butterscotch chips to make it dairy-free.
- Other add-ins: You can add raisins, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to the dough for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
