Zucchini Peanut Butter Bars

🥜 Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Peanut Butter Bars

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy peanut butter and fresh zucchini in baked goods. These chewy bars are soft, naturally sweetened, and filled with plant-based protein and fiber—all without refined sugar or dairy.

Perfect for busy mornings, lunchbox treats, or post-workout snacks, these bars offer a smart way to sneak in veggies while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Key Benefits:

• High in protein & fiber

• Naturally sweetened (no refined sugar)

• Great for kids, adults, and athletes

• 100% pork-free, alcohol-free, and easy to make gluten-free or vegan

• Freezer-friendly for batch prep

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🌿 What Makes These Bars So Good?

Peanut Butter for Protein & Flavor

Natural peanut butter adds healthy fats, plant-based protein, and rich, nutty flavor.

Zucchini for Moisture (Not Flavor!)

Grated zucchini melts into the batter, creating soft, chewy texture—without tasting like veggies.

Sweetened Naturally

These bars use maple syrup and mashed banana for subtle sweetness, making them kid- and health-friendly.

Oats for Energy

Rolled oats give these bars their signature chew while offering whole-grain goodness.

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📋 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)

• ½ cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened & unsalted)

• 1 medium ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)

• ½ cup grated zucchini (lightly squeezed)

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)

Optional Add-ins:

• 2–3 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)

• 2 tbsp chopped peanuts

• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds for added fiber

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🧁 How to Make Zucchini Peanut Butter Bars

🔥 Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.

🥣 Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix:

• Peanut butter

• Mashed banana

• Maple syrup

• Egg (or flax egg)

• Vanilla extract

Stir until smooth. Then fold in the grated zucchini.

🥄 Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Oats

• Oat flour

• Baking powder

• Cinnamon

• Salt

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.

🍫 Step 4: Spread & Bake

Spread the mixture evenly in your baking pan. Optional: drizzle or swirl extra peanut butter on top for a marbled effect.

Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

❄️ Step 5: Cool & Slice

Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Remove and cut into 9–12 bars. Store in an airtight container.

✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Bars

Squeeze the Zucchini

Lightly squeeze zucchini in a clean towel to avoid excess moisture, but don’t press it completely dry.

Use Natural Peanut Butter

Choose a variety with just peanuts (and salt, if desired). Avoid sugar-loaded spreads.

Go Easy on Mixing

Stir the batter until ingredients are just combined to keep the bars tender and moist.

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🌀 Substitutions & Variations

• Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water)

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour

• Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter

• No Banana: Replace with ¼ cup applesauce or 2 extra tbsp maple syrup

• Lower Sugar: Use unsweetened applesauce and skip chocolate chips

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Freeze sliced bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Q2: Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Nope! Just wash and grate. The skin softens during baking and adds nutrients and texture.

Q3: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the bars will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats work best for texture.

Q4: Can I make these into muffins?

Yes! Pour batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 16–20 minutes.

Q5: Are these sweet enough for kids?

Yes, they’re subtly sweet and kid-approved! You can add extra chocolate chips if your little ones prefer a sweeter treat.

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🍽 How to Serve Zucchini Peanut Butter Bars

• Breakfast: With a smoothie or coffee

• Snack Time: Paired with fruit or yogurt

• Lunchbox Treat: Wrap individually for on-the-go goodness

• Dessert: Add a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate or peanut butter

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🌟 Final Thoughts

These Zucchini Peanut Butter Bars are everything you want in a healthy snack—moist, chewy, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrition. Whether you’re looking to use up garden zucchini, prep school snacks, or boost your post-workout recovery, these bars check all the boxes.

They’re refined sugar-free, gluten-free friendly, and completely free of pork or alcohol, making them a perfect wholesome treat for the whole family.