Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a delicious dessert for a gathering, a treat for the office, or just a sweet snack at home, these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are an excellent choice. Combining the classic flavors of carrot cake with the convenience of a bar, this recipe offers a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. The addition of a rich and creamy frosting makes these bars irresistible, while options like nuts or raisins allow for customization to suit any taste.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- Avocado Oil: 3/4 cup (or any mild-flavored oil)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
- Eggs: 3
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 tablespoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 2/3 cups
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Fine Sea Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground Cloves: A pinch
- Fresh Carrots: 8 ounces, finely grated
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or 1/4 cup raisins
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Low-Fat Cream Cheese: 1 (8-ounce) package, softened
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, softened
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups, sifted (adjust to achieve desired consistency)
Directions
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mist a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, continuing to whisk until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Make the Batter:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots. If desired, add nuts and/or raisins at this stage.
- Bake the Cake Bars:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, adjusting the amount to achieve the desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve:
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Slice into bars and serve.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 bars
These Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful treat that pairs the moist, spiced flavor of carrot cake with the smooth, rich taste of cream cheese frosting. They are perfect for sharing and sure to be a hit at any event. Enjoy a bar with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly satisfying experience.
Carrot Cake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of spices with the richness of cream cheese frosting, all compacted into an easy-to-enjoy bar form. Each square is densely packed with the sweet, earthy flavor of carrots and a hint of nuttiness if nuts are added, making them both satisfying and decadent.
Ingredients
Carrot Cake Bars:
3/4 cup avocado oil (or any mild-flavored oil)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves
8 ounces finely-grated fresh carrots
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or 1/4 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 achieve desired consistency)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mist a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cloves.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth. Fold in grated carrots, and if using, nuts and/or raisins.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature.
For frosting, mix cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, adjusting for consistency.
Frost the cooled cake, slice, and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350