Zucchini Oat Bars Recipe: Moist Baked Snack Bars with Oats

These Zucchini Bars combine rolled oats, fresh shredded zucchini, juicy raisins and a warm hint of cinnamon. Think zucchini bread transformed into a buttery, crumbly bar — simple to prepare and perfect for summer.

I grew up on zucchini bread — my grandmother’s was the best — and making this oat-forward version brings back those cozy summer memories. These bars are buttery and crumbly, with the satisfying chew of oats and a subtle cinnamon note. They’re essentially a cross between oatmeal and a blondie, topped off with shredded zucchini and raisins.

This is a no-fuss, one-bowl recipe that’s great when you want something quick and comforting. Aside from grating the zucchini, assembly is minimal: stir everything together, press into a pan, bake, and let cool.

Ingredients

• Use rolled oats (not quick-cooking or steel-cut) for the best texture.

How to make these Zucchini Bars

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Whisk to combine.
• Stir in 1 cup melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 cup shredded zucchini and 1/2 cup raisins. If you like, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts.
• Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment and mist the parchment lightly with spray oil. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press it firmly and evenly into place — a good, solid press helps the bars hold together.
• Bake for about 25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid a crumbly mess; cooling fully yields the best slices.

Notes & tips

• If you prefer a firmer, more structured bar, bake a few minutes longer. Personally, I like a slightly moist chew rather than a completely dry bar.
• Serve the bars plain, crumble them over yogurt or ice cream, or add a drizzle or glaze. Cream cheese frosting is also delicious.
• Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts if desired, though traditional zucchini bread is often nut-free.
• Leftover zucchini can be used in other recipes such as fritters or baked zucchini dishes.

Other recipes to try

• Zucchini Bread Pancakes
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bars
• Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Cookies
• Egg-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Zucchini Bread Overnight Oats

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