Description
Moist and warmly spiced carrot cake bars topped with silky cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Set grated carrots aside.
- Beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil in a large bowl. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in grated carrots and walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- Beat cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until spreadable. Spread over cooled bars.
- Cut into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
These bars are great for potlucks or a sweet treat after dinner. Serve at room temperature for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 46g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 200mg