Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded or grated zucchini (fresh, not frozen)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh lemon squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the shredded or grated zucchini. Add lemon juice and lemon zest (if using).
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
Dish Characteristics:
- Lemony flavor from fresh lemon juice and zest
- Zucchini adds a unique, slightly earthy note to the bars
- Moist and tender texture
- Perfect for brunch or as an afternoon snack
User Comments:
- "These bars are so delicious! The combination of lemon and zucchini is unexpected but absolutely perfect."
- "I love how moist these bars are. The lemon gives them a bright, refreshing taste."
- "These bars are a great way to sneak some veggies into my family's diet! My kids love them."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be substituted but the flavor may not be as intense.
- Do not overmix the batter; this can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Make sure to grease the baking pan well to prevent sticking.