Description
Heavenly carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting offer a delightful twist on classic dessert comfort. Rich layers of spiced cake and smooth frosting create a perfect balance of sweetness that will satisfy your dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (150 grams) grated carrots
- 1 cup (220 grams) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) raisins (optional)
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring extra edges hang over for easy removal.
- Create a dry mixture by combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, whisk melted butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, blending thoroughly. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently stir in grated carrots, chopped nuts, and raisins.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly across the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
- Allow the baked bars to cool completely within the pan. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until silky and well-integrated.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until smooth. Adjust consistency with milk if needed, adding one tablespoon at a time.
- Once bars are entirely cooled, lift from the pan using parchment paper edges. Generously spread cream cheese frosting across the surface in an even layer.
- Slice into individual bars and serve, savoring the rich, moist texture and delightful spice blend of these decadent carrot cake treats.
Notes
- Swap out wheat flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to make the bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, which provides sweetness without adding extra calories.
- Consider adding shredded zucchini alongside carrots for extra moisture and nutrients, creating a more complex vegetable cake bar.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with mashed banana, applesauce, or commercial egg replacer, and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg