Description
Indulge in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Packed with carrots, nuts, and warm spices, these bars are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in grated carrots and fold in the dry ingredients.
- Add extras: Mix in nuts and pineapple if desired. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread over cooled bars and cut into squares.
Notes
- Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Omit the frosting for a lighter treat or add raisins for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
