Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars
These Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, featuring warm spices and a creamy frosting, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
For the bars
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the grated carrots, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well mixed.
Baking
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars, slice, and serve.
Notes
For a spicier flavor, add extra cinnamon or some ginger powder. Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the smoothest frosting. The bars can be enjoyed plain if you're short on time.