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Decadent Carrot Cake Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


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4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent carrot cake bars bring warmth and comfort to classic dessert lovers. Layers of spiced cake and smooth cream cheese frosting create a mouthwatering treat you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) finely shredded carrots
  • 2 large eggs
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ½ cup (75 g) raisins

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Sift together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. Whisk the wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl, blending vegetable oil, granulated and brown sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Incorporate shredded carrots, optional chopped nuts, and raisins into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
  8. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, which helps set the structure and prevents crumbling.
  9. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
  11. Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface, creating decorative swirls or a smooth finish.
  12. Slice into squares and serve. Refrigerate any remaining bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Grate Carrots Finely: Use the smallest holes on a box grater to ensure super moist, evenly distributed carrot pieces throughout the bars.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs, cream cheese, and butter to sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Reduce Sugar Option: Cut down on sugar by replacing some granulated sugar with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a healthier twist.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Skip nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch without allergens.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry and wet ingredients just until combined to keep the bars tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
  • Frosting Consistency: If cream cheese frosting seems too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before spreading.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg