Description
Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of classic carrot cake in a portable, easy-to-make bar form. These moist, spiced bars are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and make a great dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Carrot Cake Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Bars
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the oil and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Mix Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, and if using, the nuts and raisins.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Make the Frosting
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy.
- Frost the Bars:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars.
- Serve:
- Slice into squares and serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, substitute half the oil with applesauce and reduce the sugar slightly.
- Add shredded coconut or pineapple for a tropical flavor twist.
- These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator before frosting.