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Two stacked carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting, showing the moist texture with grated carrots and nuts inside, served on a plate.

Carrot Cake Bars

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These carrot cake bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for sharing with a crowd.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 13 minutes
Servings: 18
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large eggs Room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Standard white sugar
  • ⅔ cup lightly packed light brown sugar For sweetness and moisture
  • 1 cup vegetable oil Any neutral oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract For flavor
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for even texture
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder Leavening agent
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the cake rise
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon Adds warmth and flavor
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Enhances spice profile
  • 1 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
  • 2 cups peeled and grated carrots Freshly grated for texture
  • 8 ounces crushed pineapple drained Adds moisture and flavor
  • ⅔ cup chopped pecans or walnuts Optional adds crunch
For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 12 ounces cream cheese room temperature Softened for easy mixing
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened Adds richness
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract For flavor
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted For smooth frosting

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13x18-inch half sheet pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugars together until fully combined. Add oil and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently stir in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and nuts (if using).
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  7. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a stand mixer or with an electric mixer on medium-high for 3 minutes.
  8. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Then, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
  9. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 4gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 324mgPotassium: 146mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 2809IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These bars are perfect for feeding a crowd. Make sure to use freshly grated carrots for the best texture, and feel free to skip the nuts if needed.

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