Description
These Carrot Cake Bars with Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on classic carrot cake, combining moist, spiced carrot bars with a rich and nutty cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Easter or any dessert craving, they offer a balance of sweetness, spice, and creamy texture in convenient bar form.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined to build the spice base for the bars.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Carrots and Pineapple: Stir the grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple into the wet mixture to add moisture and natural sweetness.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps the bars tender.
- Fold in Walnuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts to add crunch and flavor.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, continuing to cook until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the browned butter with softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until creamy and spreadable.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the browned butter cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Serve: Cut into 12 squares and serve. For best texture, bring to room temperature if refrigerated.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter to enhance their nuttiness.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Bring bars to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
