Carrot Cake Bars
These moist and spiced Carrot Cake Bars are topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, making them a comforting and crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Measure by spooning into the cup and leveling for accuracy.
- 2 cups granulated sugar Sweetens and keeps the crumb tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Adds lift so the bars aren’t dense.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the texture and works with the acid from the carrots.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Defines carrot cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Adds a cozy, slightly nutty note.
- 1 cup vegetable oil Keeps the bars moist.
- 4 large eggs Binders that also add richness.
- 2 cups grated carrots Fresh is best for texture and flavor.
For the frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened For the silky frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened Helps the frosting whip up smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Rounds out the frosting.
Optional add-ons
- 1 cup chopped walnuts Add crunch and a toasty flavor.
- 1/2 cup raisins A classic addition for sweetness.
Instructions
Preheat and prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan, then line it with parchment paper for easy lifting.
Whisk the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift or whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine the wet ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Mix wet and dry ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently until combined.
Add carrots and mix-ins
- Stir in grated carrots and optional mix-ins like walnuts or raisins.
Transfer and bake
- Pour the batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Cool completely
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the cream cheese frosting
- Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract.
Frost and serve
- Spread the frosting evenly over cooled bars and chill for tidy cuts.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Tips include not overmixing the batter and ensuring the bars cool completely before frosting. For best results, bake ahead and frost just before serving.