Decadent Carrot Cake Bars (Printable Version)
Moist carrot bars topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, balanced with warm spices and subtle sweetness.
# Ingredients:
→ Carrot Cake Bars
01 -
125 g all-purpose flour
02 -
1 teaspoon baking powder
03 -
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
04 -
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 -
0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 -
0.25 teaspoon salt
07 -
120 ml vegetable oil
08 -
135 g packed brown sugar
09 -
50 g granulated sugar
10 -
2 large eggs
11 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 -
100 g finely grated carrots (about 2 medium)
13 -
60 g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
14 -
115 g cream cheese, softened
15 -
57 g unsalted butter, softened
16 -
120 g powdered sugar, sifted
17 -
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease or line a 20×20 cm baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully blended.
03 -
In a large bowl, whisk vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
04 -
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet base until just combined for a tender texture. Avoid overmixing.
05 -
Gently fold the grated carrots and walnuts or pecans, if using, into the batter until evenly distributed.
06 -
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre emerges clean. Cool completely in the pan.
07 -
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and free of lumps.
08 -
Spread frosting over cooled cake bars. Slice into squares or rectangles. Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
For a nut-free version, omit nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds.
02 -
Adjust frosting texture by reducing powdered sugar or adding a dash of milk for a lighter consistency.