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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Warm, cozy, and perfect for sharing, these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars bring all the flavors of classic carrot cake into an easy-to-slice pan.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan; line with parchment for easier removal if desired.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the oil, eggs, and grated carrots until thoroughly blended.
  4. Join wet and dry: Combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined; gently fold in nuts if using.
  5. Bake and frost: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While bars cool, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then spread frosting once the bars are completely cool. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Grate carrots finely to keep bars moist. Do not overmix once combined. Test doneness with a toothpick near center. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: carrot cake, dessert bars, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, potluck treats