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Delicious Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

4.7 from 748 reviews

Delicious and moist carrot cake bars featuring shredded carrots and a rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for a convenient twist on traditional carrot cake. These bars are easy to bake in a single pan and sliced for serving, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or an everyday dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups finely shredded carrots (about 34 medium carrots)

Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Incorporate Carrots and Dry Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the shredded carrots ensuring they’re evenly distributed without overmixing the batter.
  5. Bake the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool the Cake: Remove from the oven and let the carrot cake bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and fluffy.
  8. Frost and Slice: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Once frosted, slice into squares or bars and serve.

Notes

  • You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
  • Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • For a healthier option, substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
  • Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: carrot cake bars, carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, baked dessert, carrot dessert