Description
Delicious and moist carrot cake bars packed with grated carrots, warm cinnamon, and optional crunchy nuts. These easy-to-make bars offer the classic flavors of carrot cake in a convenient, handheld form, perfect as a snack or dessert. They are topped with a creamy layer of traditional cream cheese frosting for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 medium-sized carrots)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with vegetable oil, grated carrots, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient bowl, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts now for added texture.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the carrot cake bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before spreading your favorite cream cheese frosting over the top to finish.
Notes
- For moist bars, be sure to not overbake; check doneness starting at 25 minutes.
- Grate carrots finely for a better texture.
- Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- Use parchment paper for easier bar removal.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow bars to cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
