Chocolate Zucchini Bars
These eggless Chocolate Zucchini Bars are made using shredded zucchini and cocoa powder. The result is a tender, moist cake-like snack bar that everyone enjoys topped with a rich chocolate ganache glaze.
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 419kcal
Ingredients
Chocolate Zucchini Bars
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Chocolate Zucchini Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Prepare a 13x9 baking dish by greasing it with butter or cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- Shred the zucchini using a grater or food processor and set it aside. Depending on how much water is released from the zucchini it may need to be squeezed to release excess water. You want the zucchini to retain some moisture as it will create a tender cake.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Fold the shredded zucchini into the batter until all ingredients are moistened and combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top with a spatula or spoon.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven, and allow the pan to cool completely before frosting and slicing into bars.
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- Add the heavy cream to a small saucepan and heat on medium-low until it just beings to boil.
- Remove from the heat and add the chocolate chips and allow them to sit and melt a bit.
- Once they have begun to melt, stir the ganache until it is smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool a bit before pouring over the zucchini bars. Spread the ganache evenly with a spatula if needed.
- Allow the ganache to set before slicing into bars and serving.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Variations
- Add nuts: If you're a fan of nuts, try adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or toasted pecans to the batter.
- Add chocolate: While the recipe itself uses cocoa powder, you can add chocolate chips to the batter. Try using milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips. By using different chips it will change the flavor of the zucchini bars.
- Substitute the zucchini: If for some reason you don't have zucchini on hand, you can also use grated carrots or shredded yellow squash instead. The texture and moisture level will be slightly different, as the zucchini is a main ingredient, but the bars will still be delicious.
- Add spices: For a warm and cozy twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the mix. These spices pair well with the chocolate and zucchini flavors.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 341mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 340IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 3mg
