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Cozy Brown Butter Zucchini Bars with Thick Cream Cheese Frosting

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These cozy brown butter zucchini bars feature a rich, nutty flavor paired with a thick, luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a quick, comforting treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup (120g) finely shredded zucchini, squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts, then watch carefully as it foams and turns a deep golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-proof bowl to cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the zucchini: Grate 1 cup of zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Wrap the shredded zucchini in a clean towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
  3. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Add the cooled browned butter and whisk until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Add zucchini and nuts: Gently fold in shredded zucchini and chopped nuts if using.
  6. Bake: Pour batter into a prepared 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely: Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack. Let bars cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until thick and fluffy. Chill for 15 minutes and re-whip if too soft.
  9. Frost and serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Notes

If bars brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 20 minutes. Always squeeze zucchini to remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess. Chill frosting if too soft and re-whip before spreading. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or oat flour. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives and flax eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, zucchini bars, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, bake sale recipe, moist bars, nutty flavor

Find it online: https://milacook.com/cozy-brown-butter-zucchini-bars-recipe-with-thick-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-and-best/