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Carrot Cake Bars with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Carrot Cake Bars with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

Delicious and moist carrot cake bars topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these bars are easy to make and ideal for any occasion—from casual snacks to special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, melted but not hot
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup raisins (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and baking soda. Break up any lumps of brown sugar to ensure even mixing.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and eggs until well combined. Stir in the grated carrots, nuts if using, and raisins if using, until evenly distributed.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
  5. Pour into Baking Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  6. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  7. Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until frosting is fluffy and well combined.
  8. Frost the Cake: Once the bars have cooled fully, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife.
  9. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the frosted bars for a short time to firm up the frosting, or serve immediately if preferred.
  10. Cut and Enjoy: Cut the frosted cake into bars of desired size and serve.

Notes

  • Optional nuts and raisins add texture and flavor but can be omitted for allergy considerations.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and moist.
  • Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before making the frosting for a smooth texture.
  • Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best enjoyed within 4-5 days.
  • You can substitute walnuts or pecans with other nuts or skip them and add shredded coconut for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, spiced carrot bars, easy dessert, moist carrot cake, homemade carrot bars

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/carrot-cake-bars-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/