Zucchini Dessert Squares

Name: Zucchini Dessert Squares
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 16-20 servings.
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1-1/2 cups cold butter; FILLING:; 8 to 10 cups cubed seeded peeled zucchini (4 to 5 pounds); 2/3 cup lemon juice; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

We planted one too many zucchini plants a few summers ago and harvested a lot of zucchini that year. I was looking for ways to use them, and this delicious dessert is the result. —Nancy Morelli, Livonia, Michigan

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups cold butter
FILLING:
8 to 10 cups cubed seeded peeled zucchini (4 to 5 pounds)
2/3 cup lemon juice
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly; reserve 3 cups. Pat remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 375° for 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, for filling, place zucchini and lemon juice in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 6-8 minutes or until zucchini is crisp-tender. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; cover and simmer for 5 minutes (mixture will be thin).
Spoon over crust; sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 375° until golden, 40-45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 337 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

Originally published as Zucchini Dessert Squares in Country August/September 1996

Reviews

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Average Rating:

DeliciouslyResourceful_Gina

Dec 31, 2018

Very good. As long as you peel the zucchini, everyone will think this is an apple dessert. Took this to a potluck and all ages loved it.
Vicki

Oct 26, 2018

I’ve making this since it was first published. That’s over 25 years. I make it every year. Joe, my significant other not big on cakes. This his birthday dessert. I’ve had people who wouldn’t eat anything made from zucchini but would scarf it down.
s_pants

Sep 9, 2017

I really liked this hot. It is OK cold, but we preferred it hot with ice cream!
karenpearl

Aug 27, 2017

Had the whole family fooled. They thought it was apples! A great dessert.
Jer5mar

Aug 24, 2017

Very good. Took it along to a camp out. No one could believe that it was zucchini. Didn't say if you should seed and peel zucchini. Will make again and again.
lynne stanley

Aug 8, 2017

I have made this twice now and everyone has loved it. You really can't tell it is zucchini and not apples. I cut back a half of cup on the sugar, using 1 cup white sugar with 1/2 brown sugar. I also cut back 1/2 cup on the flour. An easy and quick recipe to put together. Love it!
harriet1

Jul 26, 2017

You would think you are eating a baked apple dessert....you gotta try this! It is awesome warm and good after it cools...just like apple pie is. (If you are a vanilla ice cream on warm pie kind of person).I made the crust mixture and then I added about 3/ 4 cup oatmeal to the crust mixture that was set aside to put on the top.You will need 2 BIG zucchinis to make a 9 x 13....you can cut recipe in half and make 8 x 8.
VJHOUSTON1

Apr 28, 2017

I just made this last night and brought it to work today and it was Fantabulouos!! Everyone couldn't believe it was zucchini because the filling took on the flavor of an apple dish. I cut back on the sugar in the crust to 1 cup, flour 3 cups and butter 1 cup. You won't be sorry to use less. I am now the "Zucchini Queen"!!
palfrey

Aug 9, 2016

I absolutely fooled everyone with this recipe. My family and coworkers kept complimenting me on my apple dessert. This is without a doubt a keeper. Delicious. I followed the recipe exactly except I added a little cloves along with the other spices to the zucchini. I will definitely be making this again!
caclark

Jun 18, 2016

This is the best recipe for zucchini that I have ever tasted. I love the muffins but everyone loved these. They really do taste like apples. I cut back some on the sugar in the crust (1/2 cup) and think I will substitute two cups of oatmeal for two cups of flour next time. Great way to use all the zucchini we have this year.