Zucchini Blondies with Penuche Fudge Frosting

Zucchini Blondies with Penuche Fudge Frosting ~ these moist and tender zucchini blondies are decadent and delicious with an old time penuche fudge frosting, but watch out ~ they’re irresistible!

Got zucchini?

In between all your zoodles and ratatouilles, I highly recommend whipping up a batch (or two) of these divine Zucchini Blondies with Penuche Fudge Frosting.  These can be your little secret — when your neighbors are trying to foist off their glut of backyard zucchini, you can just politely take it all in…as if you’re doing them a big favor…

You might be tempted to think of these little squares as being almost healthy, I mean, there’s a green veggie involved… but let me set you straight….these are serious desserts.  That frosting sets up to a penuche fudge-like consistency and is quite rich.  What’s penuche? (pronounced panucci)  It’s an old-timey New England style vanilla candy, made with brown sugar and milk or cream, it’s like a blonde fudge.  Ask your grandmother.

I love all vegetables, but I have to say that zucchini isn’t one of my favorites, it’s a little bland, and watery when it’s cooked.  I think the best use of it is in cakes and breads.  I like to use the small ones for shredding because you get more color and flavor that way.

Do you peel zucchini for blondies?

• Heck no, the peel adds nutrition and color.

The combination of the tender blondie and the creamy melt in your mouth fudge is a winner.

“There are so many recipes out there, I rarely make one twice, but I’m holding on to this one for zucchini season every year.” ~ Erin

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3.44 from 88 votes

Zucchini Blondies with Penuche Fudge Frosting

Zucchini Blondies with Penuche Fudge Frosting ~ these moist and tender zucchini blondies are decadent and delicious with an old time penuche fudge frosting.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Yield 9 blondies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup shredded zucchini packed
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts I used walnuts and pecans

penuche frosting

• 1/4 cup 1/2 stick unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp cream or milk
• 1 1/2 cups powdered confectioner's sugar, sifted

Instructions

• Set oven to 350F
• Start with the blondies. Beat the butter and brown sugar sugar together for a couple of minutes until well blended and the color lightens a bit. Work out any sugar lumps.
• Beat in the egg, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Fold in the flour, and then the zucchini and nuts. Mix just until well blended, don't over-mix.
• Turn the batter into a greased 9x9 square baking pan. I line mine with parchment with long ends so I can lift it out later for neater cutting, but that's optional. Smooth it out so the surface is flat.
• Bake for about 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out without wet batter clinging to it. Don't over bake these.
• Let cool a bit on a rack while you make the frosting. I like to frost these bars when they are still a little bit warm.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the sugar and cream. Bring the mixture up to a boil, whisking continuously.
• When it comes to a boil, take it off the heat and whisk in the sugar until you have a thick frosting. It will set up quickly, so pour it over the blondies and smooth out with an offset spatula before it hardens.
• Cut the blondies and enjoy!

more bars and squares…

White Peach Bars

Banana Blondies

Peanut Butter and Boysenberry Jam Bars