Decadent Carrot Cake Bars (Print-Friendly Version)

Rich, spiced carrot cake bars topped with creamy frosting—ideal for dessert tables or sharing with friends.

# What You’ll Need to Make This:

→ Carrot Cake Bars

01 - 190 g all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
08 - 120 ml vegetable oil
09 - 100 g granulated sugar
10 - 100 g light brown sugar, packed
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - 150 g finely shredded carrots (approximately 3 medium carrots)
14 - 60 g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
15 - 75 g raisins (optional)

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

16 - 225 g cream cheese, softened
17 - 57 g unsalted butter, softened
18 - 240 g powdered sugar
19 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a 23x33 cm baking pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if using.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
04 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just incorporated. Add shredded carrots, then gently mix in nuts and raisins if desired.
05 - Pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
06 - Beat cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until light and fluffy.
07 - Spread frosting over cooled bars using a spatula. Slice into 12 squares and serve. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter result.
02 - Orange zest can be added to the frosting for extra flavour.
03 - Bars can be frozen unfrosted and frosted after thawing.