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Carrot Cake Bars

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These Carrot Cake Bars deliver all the flavors of classic carrot cake in a simple, easy-to-make bar form. Soft, moist, and packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these bars are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a quick homemade dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Ingredients

 

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded carrots

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Bars:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, and nutmeg.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  6. Fold in the shredded carrots, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting:

  1. Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and well blended.

Assemble and Serve:

  1. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
  2. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • For a healthier version, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cloves or allspice.
  • For a chewy texture, mix in ½ cup raisins.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

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