Description
Carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting are a soft, spiced dessert that’s rich with flavor and topped with a thick, tangy frosting, offering everything you love about carrot cake in a simpler, sliceable format.
Ingredients
- For the carrot cake bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then stir in the grated carrots. If using, fold in the nuts or raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and cut them into squares to serve.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 20–24 bars.
- For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the batter.
- A pinch of cloves or ginger brings a deeper spice flavor.
- For a healthier option, substitute some of the oil with applesauce.
- Topping the frosting with extra chopped nuts or shredded carrot gives a nice finish.
- Store the bars in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them frosted or unfrosted for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
