Carrot Desserts with Cream Cheese Frosting
Looking for a delicious way to enjoy carrot desserts? These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are an easy and indulgent twist on the classic dessert recipes you love. With a perfect balance of warm spices, moist shredded carrots, and rich cream cheese frosting, these bars are ideal for parties, potlucks, or an everyday treat!
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts raisins, or shredded coconut
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in shredded carrots and any optional mix-ins.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using a mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice into squares and serve!
Notes
- For a healthier twist, replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Add a touch of orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist.
- These bars freeze well! Freeze unfrosted bars and add the frosting after thawing.