Description
Indulge in these delightful Carrot Cake Bars with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist and flavorful bars are a perfect treat for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert time.
Ingredients
Scale
For the carrot cake bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots.
- Combine and bake: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in chopped nuts if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool before frosting.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Spread over cooled bars.
Notes
- Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in crushed pineapple or raisins to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
