Carrot Cake Bars with Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

There’s something truly special about baking with carrots. It brings a warmth and earthiness to desserts that is unmatched. I recently whipped up a batch of Carrot Cake Bars with Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting for a family gathering, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The bars were moist, flavorful, and the frosting added a rich, nutty twist that had everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a carrot cake aficionado or just looking to try something new, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup applesauce (or an additional 1/3 cup vegetable oil)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots

For the Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 1/2 – 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13×9-inch baking dish and set aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for about 30 seconds. Set aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate mixing bowl, use a wooden spoon to blend together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and applesauce until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour in half of the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Then, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots.

Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

For the Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

Brown the Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the butter turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Once browned, pour the butter into a heatproof airtight container and chill in the refrigerator until it reaches a soft, spreadable consistency.

Prepare the Frosting:
Scoop the cooled browned butter into a mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, whip the browned butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and mix until well combined. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, up to an additional 1/2 cup, until you reach the desired consistency.

Frost the Bars:
Once the carrot cake bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-32 minutes
• Total Time: 50-52 minutes

How to Serve

• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
• Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
• Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for presentation.

Additional Tips

1. Grate Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide the best flavor and moisture. Avoid using pre-packaged shredded carrots if possible.
2. Brown the Butter Carefully: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns; it can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
3. Check for Doneness: Always perform the toothpick test to ensure the center is fully baked.
4. Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allowing the bars to cool completely ensures the frosting doesn’t melt.
5. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.
• Spices: Experiment with additional spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
• Frosting Variations: Swap the cream cheese for mascarpone for a different creamy texture.
• Add Pineapple: Include crushed pineapple for a tropical touch and extra moisture.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these bars for dessert at potlucks or family gatherings.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Offer as a sweet snack during brunch or afternoon tea.
• Top with edible flowers for a beautiful presentation at special occasions.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh grated carrots instead of packaged?
   Yes, freshly grated carrots offer better flavor and texture.
2. What can I substitute for eggs?
   You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute for a vegan option.
3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
   Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
4. Can I use different types of sugar?
   Yes, you can experiment with coconut sugar or brown sugar, but this may change the flavor slightly.
5. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
6. Is the frosting necessary?
   While the bars are delicious on their own, the frosting adds creaminess and richness.
7. How long can I freeze these bars?
   They can be frozen for up to three months.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.
9. Can I omit the spices?
   Yes, but the spices add depth to the flavor; consider adding vanilla extract for additional flavor.
10. What should I serve with these bars?
    They pair well with coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful treat.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Bars with Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. The moistness of the bars combined with the rich, nutty flavor of the frosting makes for an irresistible dessert that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, these bars are sure to please. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

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