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Slice of frosted carrot cake with pecans lifted from a tray.

Carrot Cake Bars

Jennifer Allen
These Carrot Cake Bars are spiced just right and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. They're the perfect dessert for any special occasion or when you need something comforting and homemade.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cool Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18 bars
Calories 502 kcal

Equipment

  • rotary or box grater

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups carrot grated

For the Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecans toasted and chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
  • Beat the oil and sugar with a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in the grated carrots.
  • Fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  • For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla.
  • Frost the cooled cake, then top it with toasted pecans.
  • Slice the cake into bars and serve.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives.
  • Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 barCalories: 502kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 248mgPotassium: 141mgFiber: 2gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 3955IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 1mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword Easy Carrot Cake, Homemade Carrot Cake Bars, Southern Carrot Cake
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