Description
Indulge in these Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for any occasion and a delightful twist on traditional carrot cake.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 large)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth.
Add vanilla extract and mix well. - Combine & Add Mix-Ins
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and optional walnuts/coconut. - Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. - Cool Completely
Let bars cool fully before frosting. - Prepare Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla. - Frost & Serve
Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and flavor
- Do not frost while warm (prevents melting)
- Add raisins or pecans for extra texture
- Chill slightly before cutting for cleaner slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Decadent Carrot Cake Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Carrot Cake, Dessert, Baking