Description
These Carrot Cake Bars are soft, moist, and packed with warm spices and shredded carrots. They have the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are an easy-to-make dessert perfect for spring gatherings, Easter, or anytime you crave a cozy treat. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the carrots and optional add-ins: Stir in the grated carrots and, if using, the chopped nuts and raisins.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. If needed, add a tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars, then slice into squares and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American