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–+ servings
Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars: The Easy Indulgence You Can't Resist

These delicious Carrot Cake Bars are a simple and satisfying dessert, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 234 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • hand mixer

Ingredients
  

For the bars

  • 1.25 cups all purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 0.75 cups unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1.25 cups dark brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.25 cups finely grated carrots ~1-2 large carrots grated on the small holes of a box grater

For the frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. Ensure there is a little overhang to make lifting the bars out of the pan easier.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients and set aside.
  • In another bowl, whisk the brown sugar and melted butter together, being sure it’s smooth and breaking up any brown sugar pieces.
  • Whisk in eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  • Careful not to over mix, fold in the dry ingredients and grated carrots.
  • Spread evenly in prepared pan.
  • Bake for ~18-20 minutes. Do not over bake or bars will be dry.
  • Cool completely then make frosting. Using a hand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating again until smooth and creamy.
  • Spread evenly on top of cooled bars, garnish with cinnamon and/or chopped walnuts. Slice & enjoy!

Notes

Mix-ins: Add in nuts or raisins if desired. (~½ cup is perfect). Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring the bars to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSodium: 294mgSugar: 17g
Keyword baking, Cake Bars, Carrot Cake Bars, Carrot Dessert, easy dessert, sweet treat
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