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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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3.9 from 43 reviews

Deliciously moist and flavorful carrot cake bars topped with a creamy low-fat cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, these bars combine warm spices, finely grated fresh carrots, and optional nuts or raisins for added texture. Simple to prepare and baked to perfection in a 9×9-inch pan, these bars make a delightful treat for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings

Ingredients

Cake

  • 3/4 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil, or any mild-flavored oil)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • pinch of ground cloves
  • 8 ounces finely-grated fresh carrots
  • optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or 1/4 cup raisins

Frosting

  • 1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups sifted powdered sugar (use more/less to achieve your desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prep oven and baking dish: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mist a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside for later use.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined and smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk until the mixture is fully smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until fully combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until smooth and free of lumps. Fold in the finely grated carrots until evenly distributed. If using, gently fold in chopped nuts and/or raisins.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, transfer to a wire cooling rack and cool completely to room temperature.
  6. Make the frosting: While the cake cools, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, adjusting the amount to achieve your desired frosting thickness.
  7. Frost and serve: Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into bars and serve. Enjoy your moist and flavorful carrot cake bars!

Notes

  • If you don’t have avocado oil, vegetable or any mild-flavored oil can be used as a substitute.
  • For added texture and flavor, chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or raisins can be included.
  • Ensure the carrots are finely grated to incorporate well into the batter and ensure moistness.
  • Adjust powdered sugar in frosting for desired sweetness and consistency.
  • Bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/carrot-cake-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/