Zucchini Bars: A Wholesome Summer Delight
Summer is the perfect time to indulge in fresh, seasonal produce, and zucchini is definitely a star. If you're looking for a way to use up your garden bounty that is both delicious and nutritious, you've come to the right place! These almond butter chocolate chip zucchini bars are a game-changer. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, almond butter, zucchini, dates, and maple syrup, these bars are a feel-good treat you can enjoy any time of day.
What Makes These Bars So Special?
Let me share some of the reasons why I'm completely in love with these zucchini bars:
- Effortless to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy, perfect for even the busiest of days. No complicated steps, just simple mixing and baking.
- Nutritious Goodness: Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, olive oil, maple syrup, zucchini, and almond butter, these bars are free from refined sugars and flours.
- Pantry-Friendly: You probably have most of the ingredients on hand already. It's a great way to use up pantry staples.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, a quick snack, or a satisfying dessert. They're great any time of the day.
- Perfect Warm or Cold: These bars are equally delicious served warm from the oven or chilled on a hot summer day.
- Kid-Approved: Little ones absolutely adore these yummy bars, and parents can feel good about letting them enjoy such a wholesome treat.
The Magic of Dates
This recipe uses dates to create that wonderfully dense and gooey texture and for added natural sweetness. If you're not a date fan or don't have any on hand, don't worry! You can find an easy substitute in the recipe notes to create a date-free version.
Baking Tips for the Best Zucchini Bars
- Squeeze the Zucchini: After grating your zucchini, gently squeeze out some of the excess water. This helps to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
- Don't Overbake: Bake until the top is golden brown and springs back gently when touched.
- Cool Completely: For clean, even cuts, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. (If you can wait!).
Enjoy These Bars All Summer Long!
These almond butter chocolate chip zucchini bars are a repeat-worthy recipe that will definitely become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you have a surplus of garden zucchini or just want a delicious, healthy treat, these bars are the answer. They are a perfect treat for your family and friends, or a just for you!
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Option: Use a flax egg (or the equivalent of two regular eggs) to make this recipe totally vegan.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free option.
- Extra Goodies: Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars Recipe
Yields: 9-12 bars Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 8 medjool dates, pitted
- 1-2 zucchini, grated and squeezed once (about 2 cups total, divided)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Chocolate chips (optional, for topping) 3/4 to 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Set aside about half of the zucchini and chocolate chips to stir in later. Blend everything else together until a smooth-ish batter forms.
- Stir in the reserved chocolate chips and zucchini.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and gently springs back when you press on it.
- Let cool completely before slicing. Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container for freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these bars vegan? A: Yes, you can! Try using a flax egg or the equivalent of two regular eggs.
Q: How should I store these zucchini bars? A: They are best stored in a sealed container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Q: Do I have to drain the water from the zucchini? A: A quick squeeze of the grated zucchini to remove some of the excess water is all you need.
Enjoy!
These zucchini bars are a total must-try. They are easy, delicious, and good for you! Now, it's time to go bake a batch!