Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make dessert combines classic warm spices and shredded carrots for a perfect treat that’s ideal for sharing or savoring any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients & Batter
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine & Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Gently fold in the shredded carrots to evenly distribute.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost & Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake. Slice into bars and serve for a delightful dessert or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth frosting.
- Make sure the carrot cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
- Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a more intense spice flavor, you can slightly increase the cinnamon and ginger.
