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
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Incorporate shredded carrots, optional chopped nuts, and raisins into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
- 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.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, which helps set the structure and prevents crumbling.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface, creating decorative swirls or a smooth finish.
- 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