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Looking for a dessert that’s portable, easy to make ahead, and universally loved? These Zucchini Bars for Potluck check every box. Lightly spiced, incredibly moist, and naturally sweetened, they’re the perfect shareable treat for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or any casual get-together.
Made with simple pantry ingredients and fresh zucchini, these bars are as wholesome as they are delicious. They bake beautifully in one pan, slice cleanly, and can be served straight from the baking dish—ideal for travel or outdoor events.
🥒 Why These Zucchini Bars Belong at Every Potluck
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✅ Moist and tender – zucchini adds perfect texture
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🎉 Crowd-pleasing – subtly sweet and flavorful, appealing to all ages
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🧁 Easy to slice and serve – just bring a spatula!
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🌿 Vegetable-packed – a feel-good dessert or snack
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🧺 Perfect for transport – no melting frosting or fragile layers
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❌ No pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol – safe for all diets and preferences
🧾 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients
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2 large eggs
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¾ cup light brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
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½ cup neutral oil (like avocado or sunflower)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (well-drained)
Optional Add-ins
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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¼ cup raisins or chopped dates
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¼ cup mini dairy-free chocolate chips
Optional Cinnamon Glaze (For Finishing)
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk (plant-based or dairy)
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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Dash of vanilla extract
👩🍳 How to Make Zucchini Bars for Potluck
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini with the skin on (no need to peel!). Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture. This keeps the bars from being soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Cinnamon
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Nutmeg (if using)
Set aside.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk:
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Eggs
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Brown sugar
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Oil
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Vanilla extract
Stir in the shredded zucchini.
Step 5: Combine and Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. If using nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool completely before adding glaze or cutting into squares.
🍥 Optional Cinnamon Glaze
For a sweet, spiced touch that adds extra visual appeal, whisk together:
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk
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½ tsp cinnamon
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Dash of vanilla
Drizzle over cooled bars and allow to set before slicing.
🍴 How to Serve at a Potluck
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Slice into 18–24 small squares for easy grab-and-go servings
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Serve in the baking dish or transfer to a large platter
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Sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar or garnish with lemon zest
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Keep napkins nearby—these bars are moist and finger-friendly
📦 Storage and Transport Tips
At Home:
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days
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Refrigerate for up to 1 week for extended freshness
To Freeze:
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Freeze cut bars in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Keeps well for up to 2 months
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Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight
To Transport:
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Keep in the baking dish with a lid or wrap tightly in foil or beeswax wrap
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Pack flat in a cooler bag with an ice pack if attending a summer picnic
✅ Potluck-Perfect Tips
👨👩👧👦 Make It Kid-Friendly
Skip the nuts and use mini chocolate chips for a version that’s extra appealing to little hands.
🌿 Make It Healthier
Reduce sugar to ½ cup or use half whole wheat flour for more fiber.
🧁 Make It Fancy
Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a swirl of dairy-free cream cheese frosting for upscale gatherings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
You can, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the batter.
Do these need to be refrigerated?
Not immediately. They keep well at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage or in hot climates, refrigeration is best.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in two pans or use a larger sheet pan and adjust baking time accordingly.
Are these vegan-friendly?
They can be! Swap eggs for flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water) and use maple syrup instead of honey.
🍂 Final Thoughts
Zucchini Bars for Potluck are everything you want in a shareable dessert: flavorful, moist, easy to make, and easy to love. With cozy spice notes and the magic of zucchini, these bars walk the line between cake and snack, making them suitable for any crowd and any occasion.
So whether you’re headed to a neighborhood potluck, a picnic in the park, or a casual family BBQ, bring a pan of these zucchini bars—and expect to bring home an empty dish.
