Description
Delightfully moist and sweet, these Butterscotch Zucchini Bars combine the tender texture of grated zucchini with rich butterscotch morsels for a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for a cozy snack or dessert, these bars offer a unique twist on traditional zucchini recipes with a buttery, caramel-like sweetness baked into every bite.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or use the traditional butter and flour method to ensure the bars do not stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter and brown sugar. Using a hand-held mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, enhancing the texture of the bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly for 1 to 2 minutes to combine all the wet ingredients well, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate step, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the butter mixture. Mix on medium-low speed just until all dry ingredients are integrated; avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Add Zucchini: Fold in the finely grated and well-drained zucchini on low speed. The batter should be slightly runny; if it appears dry, allow it to rest for 5 minutes to let the moisture from the zucchini distribute evenly.
- Incorporate Butterscotch Morsels: Stir in 1 cup of butterscotch morsels gently with a spatula to spread them evenly within the batter.
- Assemble in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of butterscotch morsels on top for a sweet, melty finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging but no wet batter. The top and edges will appear dark, signaling perfect caramelization.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 squares to serve.
Notes
- Be sure to finely grate and drain the zucchini thoroughly to prevent excess moisture, which can impact the texture.
- Using room temperature eggs and butter helps the batter mix more evenly.
- If the batter seems too thick after mixing, letting it rest allows the zucchini moisture to soften it.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For enhanced flavor, try adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American