Description
These Carrot Cake Bars are soft, moist, and packed with flavor. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. A delightful dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
For the frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- You can omit the raisins or nuts if you prefer a smoother texture.
- The frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For extra decoration, you can sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg