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Square slices of moist carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting on white plate
John

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, moist, and filled with warm spices and shredded carrots. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they are the perfect dessert bars for spring gatherings, Easter, or anytime you crave a sweet and spiced treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots freshly grated
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in the shredded carrots.
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  6. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

For added texture, you can mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. Raisins also make a great addition for a classic carrot cake flavor.
Nutrition Information:
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 195mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 42g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Vitamin A: 184% DV