Description
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the warm, spiced flavors of traditional carrot cake with the convenience of bars. These moist and tender bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well. Add the eggs and vegetable oil, and whisk until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the carrot mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- If desired, sprinkle the finely chopped walnuts over the frosting.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars without frosting for up to three months.
- For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Carrot Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Bars, Baking