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Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars combine the classic warm spices and moist texture of traditional carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting, all baked into convenient bars. Perfect for a dessert or snack, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a tender crumb and creamy topping.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to combine evenly.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the melted unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a creamy base for the batter.
  4. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully integrated.
  5. Combine Carrots and Dry Mix: Stir in the grated carrots followed by the dry ingredients mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  6. Pour and Spread Batter: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading the surface flat with a spatula.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked.
  8. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack to set properly before frosting.
  9. Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
  10. Apply Frosting and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars, then cut into 24 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easy frosting preparation.
  • Grate the carrots finely to ensure even distribution and a moist texture.
  • You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor if desired.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Bring the bars to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/cream-cheese-carrot-cake-bars-recipe/