Description
Indulge in these moist Carrot Cake Bars chock-full of carrots, nuts, and warm spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups freshly grated carrots
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Baking PanPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C); Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking; Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
- Step 2: Mix Dry IngredientsIn a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: Combine Wet IngredientsIn a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth; Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry IngredientsGradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula, mixing just until no flour streaks remain.
- Step 5: Add Carrots and Mix-InsFold in the freshly grated carrots, walnuts (if using), and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Step 6: Bake the BarsPour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula; Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Step 7: Cool CompletelyAllow the bars to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack before frosting; This typically takes about 1-2 hours.
- Step 8: Prepare the FrostingBeat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy; Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition; Mix in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt, then beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
- Step 9: Frost and CutOnce the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top; For clean cuts, refrigerate the frosted bars for 30 minutes before cutting into squares; Wipe your knife clean between cuts for neat servings.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg