Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup
- Large Eggs: 2
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Shredded Carrots (finely packed): 1 1/2 cups
- Cream Cheese (for frosting, softened): 8 ounces
- Powdered Sugar (for frosting): 2 cups
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the 1 1/2 cups of shredded carrots. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 4: While the bars cool completely, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and 4 tablespoons of butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, mixing until light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Once the carrot cake bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cutting them into squares.
Notes
- Keep refrigerated, covered tightly, for up to 5 days; stack slices only when fully chilled, separated by a sheet of parchment.
- These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temp; avoid heating frosted bars, but try microwaving a plain slice for 10 seconds for a quick, comforting warmth.
- Enhance the texture by topping each square with a finely chopped walnut or pecan, or grating a tiny bit of fresh nutmeg over the frosting just before serving.
- For the most delicious moisture and soft texture, always use the finest shred setting when preparing your carrots; this helps them fully blend into the cake batter while baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bar (approx. 75g)
- Calories: 195
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g