Name: Carrot Cake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups loosely packed finely grated carrots (about 1-2 large carrots, grated using the small holes of a box grater); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Description

Moist and flavorful carrot cake baked in easy-to-cut bars, perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, these bars are a delicious treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups loosely packed finely grated carrots (about 1–2 large carrots, grated using the small holes of a box grater)

For the Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
Combine wet ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
Add dry to wet:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots.
Bake:
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare frosting:
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
Frost bars:
Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For best texture, grate carrots finely.
Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Optional: Add chopped walnuts or raisins to batter for extra texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American