Description
Sweet memories of childhood bloom in these irresistible carrot cake bars, blending warm spices and creamy frosting into a delightful dessert. Comfort and nostalgia merge seamlessly, inviting you to savor each moist, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Station: Activate oven to 350°F (175°C). Create a non-stick environment by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or applying a thin layer of grease.
- Craft Dry Foundation: Harmonize flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium mixing vessel, whisking until uniformly blended.
- Develop Liquid Base: In a spacious mixing bowl, transform eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into a silky mixture. Introduce oil and vanilla extract, stirring until ingredients unite seamlessly.
- Construct Batter: Gently incorporate dry ingredients into liquid mixture, blending until just combined. Delicately fold in grated carrots, optional nuts, and raisins, creating a rich, textured composition.
- Bake and Cool: Distribute batter evenly across prepared pan, ensuring uniform thickness. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until a probing toothpick emerges clean. Allow bars to cool completely within the pan, developing depth of flavor and optimal texture.
Notes
- Grate carrots finely and squeeze out excess liquid to prevent soggy bars and ensure a perfect texture.
- Check bars at 25 minutes since ovens vary; golden edges and a clean toothpick test indicate perfect doneness.
- Toast nuts before adding to enhance flavor and maintain crispy texture throughout the bars.
- Cool bars completely before cutting and store in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, lasting 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg