Description
These moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with tender grated carrots and optional crunchy walnuts. Baked in a single pan and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect treat for gatherings or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Carrot Cake Bars
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined for evenly distributed spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Batter: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently, then incorporate the grated carrots and optional chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost and Chill: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 10 minutes to set the frosting.
- Serve: Once chilled and the frosting is set, slice into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- Use fresh carrots and grate them finely for the best texture.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Chilling the bars after frosting firm up the cream cheese layer for neat slicing.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
