Decadent Carrot Cake Bars (Print Version)

Spiced carrot cake layers with creamy frosting, ideal for sharing and easy serving.

# What You'll Need:

→ Carrot Cake Base

01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ¼ teaspoon salt
05 - 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
08 - ½ cup vegetable oil
09 - ½ cup granulated sugar
10 - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - 2 cups finely grated carrots
14 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

15 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
16 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
17 - 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
18 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium bowl.
03 - Whisk oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
04 - Fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
05 - Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in nuts if using.
06 - Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
08 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until smooth and fluffy.
09 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Lift out using parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and serve.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The texture is impossibly moist without being dense, striking that perfect balance between substantial and tender
  • You get all the comfort of classic carrot cake with way less fuss than layering and frosting a whole cake
02 -
  • I once frosted these while they were still slightly warm and ended up with a melty mess that never quite set properly
  • Fine grating your carrots makes all the difference between tender bars and chunks of raw vegetable in every bite
03 -
  • Line your pan with parchment paper going both directions for easy lifting from all sides
  • Toasting your nuts before adding them intensifies their flavor and adds a lovely crunch throughout

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