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Carrot Cake Bars - Fall Flavors in Every Bite

Moist, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting — these Carrot Cake Bars capture all the cozy flavors of fall in an easy-to-serve format.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots finely grated
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon for garnish

Equipment

  • 8x8 baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
  4. Stir in shredded carrots, then fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in walnuts if using.
  5. Spread batter evenly into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
  6. For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
  7. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
  8. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

For extra texture, add raisins, shredded coconut, or swap walnuts for pecans. Bars taste even better after a day in the fridge.