Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars
1 cup (226g) browned unsalted butter
1 cup (190g) light brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 eggs + 1 yolk 
2 tsp (9g) vanilla extract
1 cup (120g) finely shredded carrots
2 1/8 (310g) cups flour  
2 tsp (6g) cornstarch
1/2 tsp (3g) baking powder
1 tsp. (6g) salt
2 tsp. (3g) cinnamon
½ tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 stick unsalted butter room temperature
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp (3g)  vanilla extract

Step 1: Make Base 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f.
Brown the butter. In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer combine the sugars and browned butter. Whisk until light and fluffy for about 3 minutes. Add the eggs and yolk, mixing well. Mix in vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, baking powder and salt.

Mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, fold in shredded carrot.  Spread in a lightly greased 9×13 inch jelly pan or glass baking dish. Try to spread it as evenly as possible. Bake at 350 for 24-26 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Allow to cool completely for at least an hour before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Frosting
In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer whip the cream cheese and butter until fluffy, mix in the vanilla extract, and vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar in two batches mixing well after each addition. Spread frosting evenly on top of cooled base. Decorate with mini piped buttercream carrots or sprinkles. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Once set, cut the bars into any shape you like. 

Tips for storing:
Be sure to store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze the bars, set them spaced apart on a baking sheet in the freezer for an hour. Then wrap each bar in a piece of parchment paper and place in a freezer zip lock bag or vacuum seal. You can leave them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, remove the bars from the freezer bag and set on a tray in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. 

Be sure to watch the full tutorial below and subscribe to my channel.