Description
Carrot cake bars bring wholesome comfort straight from Southern kitchens. Rich layers of spiced cake and creamy frosting promise delightful moments you will savor completely.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) finely shredded carrots
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese
- ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup (75 g) raisins
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for effortless bar removal.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger together, ensuring a uniform spice distribution.
- Wet Ingredient Harmonization: Whisk vegetable oil, granulated and brown sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture achieves a silky, cohesive texture.
- Batter Composition: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to preserve the cake’s delicate structure, then fold in shredded carrots, chopped nuts, and raisins.
- Pan Transformation: Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, level surface.
- Baking Ritual: Bake for 25-30 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with minimal crumbs.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, which stabilizes its structure and prevents crumbling.
- Frosting Creation: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Final Assembly: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the cooled cake, creating elegant swirls or a smooth finish.
- Serving and Storage: Slice into bars and serve. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Optimize Carrot Moisture: Squeeze excess liquid from freshly grated carrots using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bars and maintain perfect cake texture.
Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry and wet ingredients minimally to avoid developing tough gluten, which can make the bars dense and chewy instead of tender.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing, better incorporation, and more consistent frosting texture.
Customize Dietary Needs: Swap vegetable oil with applesauce for lower-fat version, use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly option, or replace eggs with flax eggs for vegan adaptation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 17
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg