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Carrot Cake Bars


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

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 23 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