Description

These moist and flavorful carrot cake bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Packed with warm spices, shredded carrots, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for gatherings, dessert tables, or a sweet treat any time of day.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
½ cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until well combined. Add melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Add Carrots and Optional Ingredients: Fold in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
Frost Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Serve: Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding ½ cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter.

These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For a decorative touch, garnish with additional chopped walnuts or shredded coconut before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, carrot dessert, spiced bars