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Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars
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These Carrot Cake Bars offer a moist, flavorful twist on classic carrot cake with fresh grated carrots, warm spices, and an optional cream cheese frosting. Perfectly portable and easy to make, they’re great for snacks, lunchboxes, or casual gatherings without the fuss of a layered cake.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh grated carrots
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or a mix of granulated and brown sugar)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients (Optional)

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking pan. Finely grate fresh carrots to ensure they blend well in the batter for moisture and texture.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. This creates a rich base that balances moisture and sweetness.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  4. Incorporate Carrots and Dry Mix: Gently fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture, then slowly add the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
  5. Add Optional Extras: Fold in your choice of nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries to add extra texture and flavor.
  6. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
  7. Frost and Serve: If desired, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy. Spread evenly over cooled bars and serve.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated carrots for better moisture and texture.
  • Mix batter just until combined to keep bars tender.
  • Check oven temperature with a thermometer for even baking.
  • Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Toast nuts lightly before adding to enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Carrot Cake Bars, carrot dessert, easy carrot cake, portable carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, gluten free carrot cake bars

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