Description
Indulgent carrot cake bars bring warmth and comfort from grandma’s kitchen, promising a delightful blend of spices and sweetness. Creamy cream cheese frosting crowns these moist, perfectly spiced bars that you’ll crave from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) finely grated carrots
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-Ins:
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup (80 g) raisins
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease or parchment paper.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- In a separate large bowl, vigorously blend eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Carefully fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, and optional raisins, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents condensation and maintains the cake’s texture.
- For the frosting, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface.
- Slice into individual bars and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Choose room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and prevent chunky patches in the bars.
- Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for nut-free version, maintaining similar crunch and nutrition.
- Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free blend to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg