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Life is busy—but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice homemade goodness. This One Bowl Zucchini Bars Recipe is the ultimate solution for anyone who wants a soft, moist treat without a sink full of dishes. With just one mixing bowl, a handful of wholesome ingredients, and less than an hour from start to finish, these bars are a go-to for snacks, lunchboxes, and quick desserts.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking to use up some garden zucchini, this recipe brings together ease, nutrition, and delicious flavor—all with minimal cleanup.
🥒 Why You’ll Love This One Bowl Zucchini Bar Recipe
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✅ One bowl = fewer dishes
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⏱️ Quick prep and bake time
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🧁 Moist and lightly sweet
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💚 Made with fresh zucchini
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🍯 Naturally sweetened options
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🍃 Clean ingredients, no alcohol or pork
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🧊 Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
These bars are the definition of simple, wholesome baking that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.
🛒 Ingredients
Everything goes into one bowl—no need for fancy equipment or special steps.
Base Ingredients:
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2 large eggs
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½ cup neutral oil (avocado or light olive oil works well)
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½ cup honey or pure maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup finely grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
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1 cup mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Add-ins:
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¼ cup mini chocolate chips
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¼ cup chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds
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1 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds
👩🍳 How to Make One Bowl Zucchini Bars
🥄 Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
🥣 Step 2: Mix All Ingredients in One Bowl
In a large bowl, add the following in this order:
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Eggs, oil, honey/maple syrup, and vanilla – whisk well to combine.
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Add in mashed banana/applesauce and zucchini – stir to blend.
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Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon over the top.
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Add the flour and fold everything together just until no dry streaks remain.
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Fold in any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
🔥 Step 3: Bake
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These bars are:
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Perfect warm or at room temperature
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Great with a cup of coffee or tea
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Ideal as a lunchbox treat
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Delicious with a spoonful of almond butter on top
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Light enough for a breakfast bar or mid-day snack
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Short-Term:
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate:
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Store in the fridge for up to 5–6 days.
Freeze:
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Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
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To serve: thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the microwave for 20 seconds.
💡 Recipe Tips & Customizations
Make it Vegan:
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Use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water)
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Choose maple syrup over honey
Make it Gluten-Free:
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Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour
No banana or applesauce?
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Replace with ½ cup dairy-free yogurt or mashed sweet potato
Want it sweeter?
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Add 2–3 tbsp coconut sugar or sprinkle sugar on top before baking
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, but thaw completely and squeeze out all the liquid before adding.
Do I have to peel the zucchini?
No need! The peel softens as it bakes and adds fiber and color.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
Are these bars suitable for kids?
Yes! They’re soft, not overly sweet, and loaded with hidden veggies. For picky eaters, you can add chocolate chips to make them more appealing.
Can I add a glaze or frosting?
Yes. A light lemon glaze or dairy-free cream cheese frosting works beautifully, but the bars are also great as-is.
✨ Final Thoughts
When life gets hectic, there’s something deeply satisfying about a one bowl recipe that delivers on both nutrition and flavor. These One Bowl Zucchini Bars are easy to make, easy to clean up, and easy to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a snack to meal prep, a way to use up extra zucchini, or a treat that’s both wholesome and indulgent, this recipe is here to save the day.
Minimal mess. Maximum flavor. All in one bowl.