Name: Carrot Cake Bars : The Perfect Easter Dessert Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup (200g) brown sugar; ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups (150g) finely shredded carrots; ½ cup (120ml) milk; 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Description

Easter is a time for delicious treats, and these carrot cake bars are a must-have for any spring gathering!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup (200g) brown sugar

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ½ cups (150g) finely shredded carrots

½ cup (120ml) milk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened

¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened

2 cups (240g) powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.

Step 4: Add the Carrots

Fold in the shredded carrots until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cake bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 9: Frost and Slice

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve!

Notes

Use freshly shredded carrots – Pre-packaged shredded carrots can be dry.

Don’t overmix the batter – This keeps the bars soft and tender.

Let the bars cool completely before frosting – Warm bars will cause the frosting to melt.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 30
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 16
Calories: 220
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g

Keywords: Easter Dessert Bars