Zucchini Bars for Brunch

Brunch is all about comfort, conversation, and delicious food that bridges breakfast and lunch. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a family gathering, or just elevating your weekend with something a little special, these Zucchini Bars for Brunch are a delightful addition to your table.

They’re light, moist, warmly spiced, and naturally sweet—ideal for pairing with tea, coffee, or a chilled glass of fresh juice. Even better? They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and made with wholesome ingredients (and absolutely no pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol).

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🥒 Why Serve Zucchini Bars at Brunch?

Zucchini may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind for brunch, but it should be. These bars are:

• ✅ Moist and flavorful – thanks to zucchini and a touch of spice

• 🍋 Bright and balanced – a hint of citrus adds brunch-worthy flair

• 🧁 Cake-like but not overly sweet – perfect for morning or midday

• 🧺 Easy to prep and serve – cut, plate, and go

• 💚 Vegetable-packed and nutritious – an easy win for sneaky veggies

• 🫖 Pairs well with drinks – from green tea to creamy lattes

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🧾 Ingredients for Zucchini Brunch Bars

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup whole wheat flour (optional, for a hearty texture)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup light olive oil or avocado oil

• ¾ cup maple syrup or honey

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (or orange)

• 1 ½ cups finely grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)

Optional Add-ins

• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• 2 tbsp golden raisins or dried cranberries

• 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseed for added fiber

Optional Lemon Glaze

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional for topping)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Zucchini Brunch Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Grate and Drain the Zucchini

Use a medium grater to shred the zucchini. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture—this step is key to getting the perfect bar texture.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

• All-purpose flour

• Whole wheat flour (if using)

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Salt

Set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk:

• Eggs

• Oil

• Maple syrup or honey

• Vanilla extract

• Lemon or orange zest

Stir in the drained zucchini until well combined.

Step 5: Combine and Fold

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in any optional add-ins.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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🍋 Optional Glaze (For an Elegant Finish)

Whisk together:

• Powdered sugar

• Fresh lemon juice

• Zest if desired

Drizzle over cooled bars and allow to set before slicing.

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🧁 How to Serve Zucchini Brunch Bars

• Cut into squares or rectangles

• Serve warm, room temp, or chilled

• Garnish with lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar

• Pair with:

  • Hot coffee or cold brew

  • Herbal tea (like chamomile or mint)

  • Fresh orange juice or smoothies

Perfect for buffet-style brunches, cozy tea gatherings, or make-ahead breakfast treats.

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📦 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature: Store in a covered container for up to 2 days

• Refrigerator: Keeps well up to 5–6 days

• Freezer: Freeze unglazed bars individually wrapped for up to 2 months

To serve from frozen: thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temp or warm slightly in the oven.

✅ Brunch Hosting Tips

🥗 Keep It Light

Offer a mix of savory and sweet—like quiche, fruit, and these bars.

☕ Serve a Beverage Station

Pair your zucchini bars with a tea bar, herbal infusions, or pressed juices.

🕰️ Make Ahead

Bake the bars a day in advance and store in the fridge. Glaze right before serving.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. Check that your baking powder is also certified gluten-free.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. Reduce maple syrup to ½ cup for a mildly sweet version. You can also swap part of it with mashed banana.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 5 tbsp water) and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Do kids like them?

Yes—especially when you add mini chocolate chips or drizzle with glaze. It’s a great way to sneak veggies into their diet.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Double and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for about 5–7 minutes longer. Perfect for feeding a brunch crowd.

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🍃 Final Thoughts

Zucchini Bars for Brunch are the soft, subtly sweet, and surprisingly elegant addition you didn’t know your weekend table needed. They’re easy to make, pleasing to a crowd, and pair perfectly with a variety of brunch classics.

With wholesome ingredients and warm citrus-spice flavor, these bars are a versatile treat that works just as well for casual breakfasts as they do for special gatherings. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or prepping for a laid-back morning, these zucchini bars will quickly become a new favorite.