Carrot Bars with Maple Frosting
**Ingredients:**
For the bars:
– 1 cup finely grated carrots
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the maple frosting:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of ground cinnamon for garnish
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**Instructions:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine grated carrots, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting over the top. Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon and some carrot shavings if desired.
Cut into squares and serve.
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**Prep Time:** 15 minutes | **Cooking Time:** 30 minutes | **Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Calories:** 290 kcal per serving | **Servings:** 9 bars
