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Carrot Cake Bars : The Perfect Easter Dessert Bars

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.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter Dessert Bars