Carrot Cake Bars

Recipe View Brown the Butter: In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it begins to brown and emits a nutty aroma (approximately 5 minutes). Carefully measure out 1/4 cup of the browned butter and set aside for the frosting. Pour the remaining brown butter into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes.

Recipe View Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring enough overhang on all sides for easy removal.

Recipe View Create the Bar Batter: To the mixing bowl with the cooled brown butter, add the brown sugar and whisk until well combined. Incorporate the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is completely smooth. Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg, and allspice until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer.

Recipe View Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven until the bars spring back when lightly touched in the center, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Recipe View Cool and Release: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe View Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in the reserved 1/4 cup of browned butter on medium-high speed until thoroughly combined. Incorporate the vanilla extract, salt, and 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth. Add the remaining 1 cup of confectioners' sugar and beat until fully incorporated. Continue beating the frosting on medium speed until it is completely smooth (2-3 minutes more). Cover the frosting and refrigerate until ready to use.

Recipe View Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. For optimal slicing, refrigerate the frosted bars for about 1 hour to allow the frosting to set slightly before cutting. Cut into 16 bars and serve.