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Carrot Cake Bars with cream cheese frosting and walnuts

Chewy Spiced Carrot Cake Bars

Chewy Spiced Carrot Cake Bars, warmly spiced carrot bars topped with a creamy frosting that feel like a cozy hug in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cool Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 11
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 234
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled for light texture
  • 2 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon freshly measured for warmth
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt to balance sweetness
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional but adds depth
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger for subtle spice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves adds aromatic warmth
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice to enrich flavor complexity
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly softened for easy mixing
  • 1 ⅔ cup dark brown sugar packed for deep caramel sweetness
  • 3 large eggs room temperature helps create fluffy texture
  • 2 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract aromatic flavor boost
  • 1 ⅔ cups finely grated carrots ~2 large carrots small-holed grater (moisture and natural sweetness)
  • 4 ½ oz cream cheese softened for creamy frosting
  • 5 tablespoon unsalted butter softened blends smoothly into frosting
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar for sweetness and smooth frosting
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract enhances cream cheese flavor
  • Pinch of salt balances sweetness

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for lifting.
  2. Combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice in a medium bowl and whisk together until uniform.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth and free of lumps.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients and grated carrots into the wet mixture until fully combined, taking care not to overmix.
  6. Evenly spread the thick batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top as best as possible.
  7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, checking to avoid overbaking; the bars should remain slightly soft in the center.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan while you prepare the frosting. Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until creamy. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
  9. Spread the frosting over cooled bars evenly, garnish with cinnamon or chopped nuts if desired, slice into 11 bars, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 294mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 3200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These bars are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. The spiced carrot batter and creamy frosting combine for an irresistible, comforting treat.

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