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Cozy Brown Butter Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Moist and cozy zucchini bars with a nutty brown butter flavor, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a comforting treat or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture (about 2 medium zucchinis)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter. Stir frequently as it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Pour into a heatproof bowl to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the zucchini: Grate 2 medium zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: To the cooled browned butter, add 1 ½ cups granulated sugar and whisk until combined. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk to distribute spices evenly.
  5. Combine batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet batter, folding gently with a rubber spatula. Fold in grated zucchini until just combined.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Pour batter evenly into pan and smooth top. Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Allow bars to cool completely in pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  8. Make frosting: Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with ¼ cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add 1 ½ cups sifted powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  9. Frost and serve: Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Watch the butter carefully when browning to avoid burning. Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to prevent soggy bars. Use room temperature eggs and butter for even texture. Frost bars only when completely cooled to avoid melting frosting. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, zucchini bars, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, cozy baking, moist bars, sweet zucchini recipe

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/cozy-brown-butter-zucchini-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cream-cheese-frosting/