Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both wholesome and delicious, you’ve come to the right place! My Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that will surely brighten your day. These bars are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a sweet finish to your meal or for family gatherings where you want to impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen.
What makes this recipe so special is its unique combination of fresh ingredients. The warmth of ginger pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of carrots and zucchini. Plus, the creamy lemon frosting adds just the right amount of zing. You’ll find that everyone, from kids to adults, will want seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly: These bars are a hit with everyone, making them perfect for sharing at any gathering.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time, and they store well in the fridge for later enjoyment.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with veggies, these bars are a guilt-free treat that everyone can enjoy!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced ginger and lemon frosting creates an irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make our delicious bars. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!
For the Bars:
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrot
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups regular flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
For the Frosting:
- 1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
Variations
This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to personalize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand!
- Add More Spices: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use Different Nuts: Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer something different.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based cream cheese for the frosting.
- Try Other Frostings: Consider a yogurt-based frosting or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter option.
How to Make Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your bars bake evenly from the moment they go in, giving them that perfect texture we all love.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well blended. This mixture creates a moist base for our bars, enhancing their flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add Grated Veggies and Nuts
Next, fold in the grated carrot, grated zucchini, and chopped walnuts. Mixing these ingredients into your wet mixture brings color and nutrition while adding delightful crunchiness!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda. Slowly add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix! This step is key to light and fluffy bars.
Step 5: Bake It Up!
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be simply heavenly!
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While your bars are cooling, beat together the reduced-fat cream cheese, icing sugar, and lemon zest until smooth. This tangy frosting will perfectly complement the spiced bars!
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy!
Once cooled completely, spread the lemon cream cheese frosting over your bars. Slice them up into squares or rectangles—whatever suits your fancy—and get ready to enjoy this delightful treat with family or friends!
Pro Tips for Making Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Baking these delightful bars can be a breeze with a few handy tips to keep in mind!
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh carrots and zucchini yield the best flavor and moisture in your bars. The fresher the produce, the more vibrant and delicious your dessert will be.
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Grate Finely: For an even texture, grate the carrots and zucchini finely. This helps them blend seamlessly into the batter, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor without any chunks.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, while gentle mixing keeps them light and fluffy.
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Let It Cool Completely: Before frosting, make sure your bars are completely cool. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting off and allows it to set beautifully on top.
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Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can add a lovely warmth that complements the ginger perfectly.
How to Serve Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving these bars is all about presentation! With their beautiful color and creamy frosting, they are sure to impress.
Garnishes
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and a rustic look.
- Lemon Zest: A light dusting of lemon zest not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts that refreshing citrus flavor.
Side Dishes
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars, making it a perfect accompaniment.
- Herbed Yogurt Dip: A dollop of herbed yogurt can provide a savory balance to the sweet bars, adding creaminess that complements the frosting.
- Green Tea: Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of green tea for a lovely afternoon treat. The earthy notes of tea complement the spiced flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent pairing, serve a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream on the side. The creaminess contrasts nicely with the moist texture of the bars.
Now that you have everything you need to make and serve these scrumptious Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your ingredients and get baking! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
These Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are not just delicious; they are also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance, making it easy to enjoy a sweet treat throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer them chilled, refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Make sure to keep the frosting separate if you decide to store them for longer periods.
Freezing
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying, or let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating
- For a warm treat, you can microwave the bars on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Alternatively, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 5 minutes.
- Always check that they are warmed through before serving!
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.
Can I make Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and use it as an egg replacement.
How long do Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting last?
When stored properly, these bars can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing them!
Can I add nuts or other spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite nuts, such as pecans or almonds. You can also adjust the spices depending on your preference—cinnamon pairs wonderfully with ginger!
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free if needed.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find as much joy in making these Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting as I do! They’re not only packed with flavor but also bring a comforting warmth that makes every bite special. Enjoy sharing (or keeping!) these delightful treats. Happy baking!
Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Spiced Ginger Carrot and Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist, wholesome bars combine the warmth of ginger with the natural sweetness of carrots and zucchini, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, you can enjoy them as a guilt-free dessert that everyone will love. The creamy lemon frosting adds a zesty finish, making each bite a burst of flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrot
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups regular flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 8 oz package reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together eggs, brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and vanilla until well combined.
- Stir in grated carrot, grated zucchini, and chopped walnuts.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and baking soda; then gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese with icing sugar and lemon zest until smooth.
- Once cooled completely, spread the frosting over the bars and cut into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg