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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 16 squares
Calories 350
Deliciously moist carrot cake bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter (172g, melted and cooled slightly)
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar (105g, packed)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1.33 cups all-purpose flour (170g)
  • 2.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 scant teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup shredded carrots (100g, loosely measured)
  • 0.5 cup pecans (65g, finely chopped and toasted)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese (113g, softened)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57g, softened)
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar (187g)
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment.
  • Melt butter, then whisk with sugars. Add egg, yolk, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
  • Mix dry ingredients separately, then fold into wet. Add carrots and pecans, then spread in pan.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, cool completely, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Beat cream cheese and butter, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread frosting over cooled bars and garnish with pecans.

Notes

Ensure bars are fully cooled before frosting for best results.
Calories: 350kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Bars, cake, carrot