Description

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the moist, spiced flavors of traditional carrot cake into an easy-to-make bar form. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
2 large eggs

Add-ins

1 ½ cups shredded carrots
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the vegetable oil and eggs together until the mixture becomes fluffy and well-emulsified, which helps achieve a tender crumb.
Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
Add Carrots and Nuts: Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans evenly throughout the batter to add moisture and a pleasant crunch.
Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top, and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the bars cool completely, beat together the softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts or pecans before adding them to the batter.
You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the dry ingredients.
Bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 2x2 inches)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, spiced carrot bars, breakfast bars, nutty carrot cake