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These Carrot Cake Bars Are the Ultimate Spring Dessert

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  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These carrot cake bars are the perfect dessert for spring, offering a light yet indulgent treat with a blend of warm spices and a rich cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, for frosting consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until well combined and smooth.
  4. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  6. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using).
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  10. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
  11. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  12. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  13. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
  • Feel free to omit the walnuts or raisins if you prefer a plain carrot cake bar.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Find it online: https://simplemealsbykim.com/these-carrot-cake-bars-are-the-ultimate-spring-dessert/