Description
These carrot cake bars are packed with moist, tender cake and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
- In another bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Then mix in eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix! Fold in grated carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares or bars and serve!
Notes
Keep an eye on the bars as they bake, as ovens can vary. For the best texture, use room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: carrot cake, dessert, cream cheese frosting, baking, easy recipe