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Carrot Cake Bars

These delicious carrot cake bars are simple to make and perfect for sharing. With a light cream cheese frosting, they offer a cozy taste of classic carrot cake without the fuss of a layered cake.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots and nuts if using.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely on a rack before frosting.
  8. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until creamy.
  9. Spread frosting on the cooled bars and chill briefly to set. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Notes

These bars are easy to make ahead of time and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Freezing is also an option, just wrap them well.

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