Description
Irresistible Carrot Cake Bars with Creamy Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl by whisking together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using).
3. Combine the wet ingredients in a large bowl by whisking together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gradually mixing until just combined. Fold in the shredded carrots, and if using, the chopped nuts and raisins.
5. Bake the bars by pouring the batter into the prepared pan and spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
6. Make the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and creamy.
7. Frost and serve the cooled carrot cake bars by spreading the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the most moist and flavorful carrot cake bars. Feel free to adjust the amounts of nuts, raisins, or spices to suit your personal taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg