March 23, 2013

Zucchini-Coconut Bars with Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting

I love having a stockpile of zucchini in the freezer.  It's really a pretty flavorless vegetable, but it adds incredible moisture to baked goods so you can really cut down on the fat.  This original recipe was loaded with sugar, on top of the coconut!  I knew the coconut would add quite a bit of sweetness, so I took out a whole cup of sugar!  I was also able to use half the oil and just replace it with the same amount of plain yogurt.  The result was scrumptious!  'Great coconut flavor and a breeze to whip up! 

4 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup low fat plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups shredded zucchini (slightly thawed and drained, if frozen)
1-1/2 cups shredded coconut
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda


Frosting

8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese (low fat is fine)
1 pound powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla or 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Combine the eggs, sugar, oil, yogurt and vanilla in a large bowl.  Mix well.  Blend in zucchini and coconut.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and baking soda.  Add to egg mixture and blend until incorporated.  Pour into a 9x13 pan that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.  Cool on wire rack.  For the frosting, beat cream cheese and  butter using a mixer at medium speed.  Add powdered sugar and vanilla or coconut extract; blend well. Note:  Reduced fat cream cheese usually yields a thinner frosting-if using the regular cream cheese and you find its too thick, just add a little milk, 1/2 tablespoon at a time.  I ended up using 4 ounces of regular cream cheese, and 4 ounces of low fat.  Fold in shredded coconut, if desired.  I find it a little too sweet adding it in, so I like simply scattering a little over the cake.


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