Description
Creamy carrot cake bars blend sweet nostalgia with delightful textures, offering a perfect balance of warm spices and smooth frosting. Home bakers savor these irresistible treats that deliver comfort and classic flavor in every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating with grease and lining an 8-inch or 9-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhanging edges for effortless removal.
- Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, create a smooth wet mixture by vigorously blending granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain batter consistency. Delicately fold in grated carrots and optional chopped nuts.
- Transfer batter into prepared pan, distributing evenly with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean from center.
- Allow cake bars to cool completely within the pan, preventing potential structural disruption.
- Craft cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky smooth using an electric mixer.
- Gradually integrate powdered sugar, beating thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor profile.
- Once bars have reached room temperature, generously spread cream cheese frosting across surface.
- Slice into precise squares or rectangular bars. Optional: Garnish with additional chopped nuts or cinnamon dusting for visual and flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Swap vegetable oil with applesauce or mashed banana for a healthier, lower-fat version that keeps the bars moist and delicious.
- Ensure carrots are finely grated to distribute evenly and create a smooth, tender texture throughout the bars.
- Toast nuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake texture.
- For gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the recipe accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 214 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 138 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg