Description
Enjoy these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – moist, spiced, and topped with rich frosting. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins if using.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then mix until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Use freshly grated carrots – Pre-shredded store-bought carrots are too dry.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – It keeps the bars soft and fluffy.
✔ Let the bars cool before frosting – This prevents melting.
✔ Try different mix-ins – Add coconut flakes or crushed pineapple for extra flavor.
✔ Chill before serving – This enhances the texture and makes slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes