Description
These moist and spiced Carrot Cake Bars are packed with warm flavors and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Easter, brunch, or any time you crave a sweet treat!
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in grated carrots.
4️⃣ Combine & Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until combined. Fold in nuts if using. Pour into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
5️⃣ Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
6️⃣ Frost & Serve: Spread frosting over the cooled bars, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
✔️ Add ¼ cup raisins for extra sweetness.
✔️ Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
✔️ Prefer a lighter treat? Skip the frosting or use a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g