These Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic carrot cake in a convenient, handheld form. Moist and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these bars offer a delicious balance of sweetness and warmth. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, each bite melts in your mouth. Great for parties, potlucks, or as a weekday treat, these carrot cake bars are an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Carrot Cake Bars
- ¾ cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil, or any mild-flavored oil)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 8 ounces fresh carrots, finely grated
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or ¼ cup raisins
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups sifted powdered sugar (adjust to desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting and cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, sea salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Carrots and Add-ins: Gently fold in the grated carrots, and if using, add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool fully in the pan before adding any frosting.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar: Add the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You may add a little more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting or a little less for a softer one.
- Frost the Bars: Once the carrot cake bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top with a spatula.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles, and serve. For an added touch, sprinkle with a few chopped nuts on top, if desired.
Conclusion:
These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the classic flavors of carrot cake with a bar’s convenience and ease. The warm spices, tender carrot-infused batter, and smooth cream cheese frosting make each bite irresistible. Perfectly portable and deliciously moist, they’re an ideal treat for any occasion!
