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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling and Frosting 35 minutes
Servings: 12 Bars
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup avocado oil or another neutral oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3 cups finely grated carrots about 3 medium carrots
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray
  • Mixing bowls 1 large, 1 medium
  • Whisk or electric hand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Box grater or food processor
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, avocado oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
  1. Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
Step 4: Fold in the Carrots
  1. Fold in the finely grated carrots.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
  1. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. For clean slices, chill the pan in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before cutting into bars or squares.