Description
These decadent carrot cake bars are packed with warm spices and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts, 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 cool completely.
- While the bars are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and fluffy.
- Once the bars are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a denser texture, reduce the amount of baking powder to 1/2 teaspoon.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar by 1/2 cup.
- These bars are best stored in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, carrot cake squares, easy carrot cake dessert