Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Carrot Cake Bars, a perfect fusion of classic carrot cake and a chewy blondie-like texture. These bars are infused with warm spices and packed with shredded carrots and toasted pecans, all topped off with a creamy cream cheese frosting that adds an irresistible finish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these moist treats are sure to impress your family and friends. Easy to make, these carrot cake bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¾ cup (172g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
- ½ cup (105g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1⅓ cup (170g) all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 scant teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (100g) shredded carrots, loosely measured, not packed
- ½ cup (65g) finely chopped toasted pecans
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups (187g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- finely chopped toasted pecans (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix flour, spices, salt, baking powder, and shredded carrots.
- Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Gently stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing softened cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Once cooled, frost the bars and optionally garnish with extra pecans before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg