Ingredients
Scale
- For the Bars:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preparing the Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots and nuts (if using). Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Baking the Bars: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Making the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
- Assembling and Serving: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use flax eggs, plant-based cream cheese, and dairy-free butter.
- Gluten-free by using gluten-free flour blends and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Storage tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/9th to 1/12th of the recipe)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg