Description
Indulge in these Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—a delightful dessert that combines soft, moist cake with rich and creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual weeknight treat, these bars are infused with warm spices and the natural sweetness of carrots. With straightforward preparation steps and an irresistible flavor profile, these bars are sure to impress family and friends alike. Top them with toasted nuts or serve alongside fresh fruit for an elevated experience!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugars, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture; stir until just combined. Fold in grated carrots and nuts if desired.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Frost cooled bars, cut into squares, and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg