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Carrot Cake Bars

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Carrot Cake Bars are moist and flavorful, packed with freshly grated carrots and warm spices, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Bars:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (300g) finely grated carrots
  • 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan and Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil; mix well.
    • Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
    • Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  5. Add Carrots and Optional Ingredients:
    • Fold in the grated carrots.
    • If using, also fold in the chopped nuts and drained crushed pineapple.
  6. Bake:
    • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
    • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
    • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
    • Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
    • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and reaches your desired consistency.
  8. Frost the Bars:
    • Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  9. Serve:
    • Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For best results, use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-shredded ones, as they provide more moisture.
  • Adding crushed pineapple enhances the moisture and adds a subtle sweetness, but it’s optional.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Find it online: https://newsvks.com/carrot-cake-bars/