Name: Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots); ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)

Description

Classic carrot cake flavor in an easy-to-make bar form, topped with cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the carrot cake bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before making the frosting.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 350
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg