Description
Delicious spiced carrot cake bars topped with creamy cream cheese icing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons (7.5 mL) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) baking soda
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) salt
- 2 teaspoons (5 g) ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground ginger
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons (10 mL) vanilla extract
- 2 cups (200 g) finely grated carrots
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
- 225 g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups (300 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) heavy cream or milk, if needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Combine the dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until well combined.
- Add the carrots: Stir the grated carrots into the wet mixture.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir just until no dry streaks remain. Fold in the chopped nuts if using. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack and allow them to cool completely before icing.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of heavy cream or milk if the icing is too thick. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is melted and slightly cooled to avoid cooking the eggs.
- For a richer flavor, add more spices according to your taste.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg