Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Enjoy the classic flavors of carrot cake in a convenient bar form. These moist and spiced carrot cake bars are topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce or oil (as used by Nana)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (not drained)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 lb powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine applesauce (or oil) and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract, grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and crushed pineapple.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Optional: Garnish with additional chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
