Description
These Carrot Cake Bars are soft, moist, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect treat for any occasion! With a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with the natural sweetness of carrots, these bars are an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy classic carrot cake. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether for a snack or dessert, these carrot cake bars are a delicious, easy-to-make treat!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- :
- For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- :
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the oil and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.
- Bake the bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: While the bars are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
- Serve: Enjoy your carrot cake bars with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat!
Notes
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- For a healthier twist, you can substitute some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can double the frosting ingredients.
- You can add raisins or shredded coconut to the batter for extra flavor.
- Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg