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Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 13 reviews

These moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, baked in a convenient 9x9-inch dish. Featuring freshly grated carrots, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a creamy low-fat cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for dessert or an anytime treat. Optional additions like chopped nuts or raisins add extra texture and sweetness.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings

Ingredients

Batter

  • 3/4 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • pinch of ground cloves
  • 8 ounces finely-grated fresh carrots
  • optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or 1/4 cup raisins

Frosting

  • 1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups sifted powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prep oven and baking dish: Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly mist a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined and smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk again until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, fine sea salt, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until evenly combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring continuously until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Fold in the finely grated fresh carrots. If using, stir in the optional chopped nuts and/or raisins at this stage.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the dish to a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature.
  6. Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened low-fat cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, stirring until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar as needed for your desired thickness.
  7. Frost and serve: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into bars, serve, and enjoy this delicious treat!

Notes

  • Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer, substitute avocado oil with vegetable oil or another mild-flavored oil.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the optional nuts.
  • Adjust powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve your preferred sweetness and consistency.
  • Store leftover bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/carrot-cake-bars-recipe/