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Moist Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of three moist carrot cake bars topped with thick cream cheese frosting on a white plate.
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Make simple, moist carrot cake bars in one bowl. These spiced dessert bars are topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • For Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the dry ingredients and mix briefly.
  4. Pour in the vegetable oil and add the eggs. Mix with a whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, if using.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
  11. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars.
  12. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained well) to the batter.
  • You can prepare the cake base one day ahead and store it covered at room temperature before frosting.
  • If you do not have walnuts, substitute with pecans or omit them entirely.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/carrot-cake-bars-recipe-moist-easy/