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Moist carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy, Moist & Irresistible

easy cook
These moist carrot cake bars are packed with freshly grated carrots and warm spices and topped with creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting. A no-mixer, one-pan dessert that’s perfect for holidays or weekday cravings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Bars & Brownies
Cuisine American
Servings 9 bars
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon each: nutmeg ginger, cloves, and allspice

Wet Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1¼ cups packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1¼ cups finely grated fresh carrots about 2 large carrots

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  •  
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
  • In another bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
  • Add eggs and vanilla to the wet mixture and whisk until smooth.
  • Fold in the dry ingredients just until combined.
  • Stir in the grated carrots gently—do not overmix.
  • Spread batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
  • Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth.
  • Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
  •  
  • Slice into 9 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars and add frosting after thawing.
 
  • Optional toppings: crushed walnuts, dusted cinnamon, or piped frosting carrots.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22g
Keyword carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, Easter bars, easy dessert, spring baking
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