Chocolate Chip Zucchini Snack Bars

These snack bars are just what we all need when craving something a bit sweet,

but not too indulgent.

Great for kids and adults alike!

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Snack Bars...a healthier sweet treat when we need that little pick-me-up. Soft, chewy, sweet and there's chocolate! (sweetandsavoryfood.com)

For all my friends reading who are parents, do you sometimes feel like your brain has turned to mush?

Just this morning I was dragging all three kids to the dentist {before 8 a.m., mind you} and while making sure they were all in tow and not getting hit by a car in the parking lot, I turned around and yelled,"Shut the shoe!" Quickly followed by, "Shut the keys!". when finally my brain turned on and I yelled, "Shut the door!".

There are days I find myself stumbling over their names, calling them everything under the sun until I finally land on what I painstakenly thought about all those months in utero and spit out the right one. Other days I have three kids talking to me at once that it's like the verbal Olympics trying to keep up.

I guess this is all just one big brain crossword puzzle for me...right? Which is good they tell me. It's good to test your brain daily. To get it ready for later in life when I'll have problems remembering my own name.

Which brings me to these Chocolate Chip Zucchini Snack Bars.

I needed something on hand - already baked up, waiting for me - that could easily be stuck in a lunchbox or grabbed by an eager hand {me} when a little pick-me-up was needed. I didn't want one more snack "I had to think about". You see, I baked these up and they granted me their grace for a full week.

I tend to need a snack at either 3 p.m. or 8 p.m. Those are the times that hunger me the most, especially when doing my best to eat healthy and stay on track. I wanted to bake something fairly healthy, but still seemed indulgent. I replaced the oil with unsweetened applesauce, replaced the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and kept it moist by adding a little sour cream.

As sour cream, is just what makes life GREAT.

These turned out soft and chewy, just what I wanted. Using my big jelly roll pan {you can get yours HERE}, makes them quick to bake and fairly thin. If you prefer something thicker you can certainly use a traditional 9x13 pan, but they would need to bake longer.

My kids loved them. Utterly loved them. They had no idea they were loaded with zucchini or healthy oils and whole wheat flour. They just cared about the mini chocolate chips, as with any child, the chocolate always wins out.

Let's be honest. The chocolate won me over too. Next time I'm going to use dark chocolate chips {because they are my favorite} and really, when Mom is losing her mind, give her something she wants.

Give these bars a try...especially if you have a crowd to feed like me!

Make sure to stay tuned for what's coming up. I have a handful of fun recipes {some healthy, some not}, plus an over-the-top dip just in time for the Super Bowl. I know many of you may not like football {we can talk about that later}, but I do know you like to eat.

Yield: 24 barsAuthor: AllyPin it