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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulgent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Delight

Delight in these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, a nostalgic and convenient dessert that caters to various diets.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Can swap for whole wheat or gluten-free blend
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Add nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Consider using brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar Optional; use coconut sugar for a healthier twist
  • 1 cup vegetable oil Can be substituted with melted coconut oil or applesauce
  • 3 large eggs Use flax or chia eggs for a vegan version
  • 2 cups freshly grated carrots
  • 1 cup walnuts or pecans Optional; can substitute with seeds or dried fruit
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz softened cream cheese
  • ½ cup unsalted butter Using unsalted allows for better salt control
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Sift for a silky texture
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor to the frosting

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • medium mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • parchment paper
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
  3. In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Stir in the grated carrots and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
  6. Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then add the vanilla extract.
  9. Frost the cooled bars and cut into squares for serving.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Store cooled bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days; can freeze wrapped for up to 2 months.

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