Description
Carrot cake bars are a delightful and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of carrot cake. With their moist texture, spiced notes, and rich cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using).
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients and Carrots: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the shredded carrots, and if using, the chopped nuts and raisins.
5. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
6. Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and creamy.
7. Frost and Serve: Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into bars and serve your delightful carrot cake bars!
Notes
Use freshly shredded carrots for the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded carrots from the store can sometimes be drier.
To store any leftover carrot cake bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Feel free to customize your bars with additional mix-ins like crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of cream cheese.
Be careful not to overbake the bars, as that can lead to a dry, crumbly texture. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg