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Cozy Brown Butter Zucchini Bars Recipe with Easy Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

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These cozy zucchini bars feature a nutty brown butter flavor paired with a soft maple cream cheese frosting, perfect for quick, comforting desserts or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis), squeezed dry
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, toasted)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter. Stir gently as it melts and foams. After about 5 minutes, when it turns golden brown and smells nutty, remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  2. Prepare the zucchini: Grate 1 ½ cups (about 2 medium) zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg if using.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter with 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar until combined. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
  5. Fold in zucchini and nuts: Stir the grated zucchini and ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans (optional) into the wet mixture.
  6. Add dry to wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay. The batter should be thick and moist.
  7. Bake: Line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well. Pour the batter evenly into the pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
  8. Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
  9. Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat 8 oz (225g) softened cream cheese and ¼ cup (57g) softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, then 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and fluffy.
  10. Frost and serve: Spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Chill for 15 minutes if a firmer frosting is preferred. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Always squeeze the zucchini dry to prevent soggy bars. Do not overmix the batter to keep bars tender. Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smooth mixing. If frosting is too soft, chill before spreading.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, zucchini bars, maple cream cheese frosting, quick dessert, bake sale recipe, cozy dessert, easy zucchini recipe

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