Decadent Carrot Cake Bars (Printable Version)
Moist spiced carrot bars with creamy frosting, perfect portable treat
# What You Need:
→ Carrot Cake Bars
01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking powder
03 - ½ tsp baking soda
04 - ¼ tsp salt
05 - 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
06 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
07 - ¼ tsp ground ginger
08 - ½ cup vegetable oil
09 - ½ cup granulated sugar
10 - ½ cup packed light brown sugar
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
13 - 2 cups finely grated carrots
14 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
15 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
16 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
17 - 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
18 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
04 - Fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
05 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in nuts if using.
06 - Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
08 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until smooth and fluffy.
09 - Once bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cream cheese frosting to cake ratio is absolute perfection in every bite
- They are easier to serve and transport than a traditional layer cake
- The spices bloom beautifully making your kitchen smell incredible
02 -
- Grating the carrots finely is crucial because large shreds can make the bars feel heavy and wet
- Room temperature ingredients for the frosting are non negotiable or you will end up with lumps
- Letting the bars cool completely might test your patience but it is worth it for picture perfect results
03 -
- For extra flavor add half a cup of raisins or shredded coconut to the batter
- Store frosted bars in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to five days