Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavor and texture with these Carrot Cake Bars. They combine the nostalgic taste of classic carrot cake with the chewy goodness of blondies, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Each bar features a soft, moist interior filled with shredded carrots and crunchy pecans, all topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting that adds a luscious finish. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet snack at home, these bars will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy them warm or chilled – either way, they are sure to please!
Ingredients
Scale
- ¾ cup (172g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
- ½ cup (105g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1⅓ cup (170g) all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 scant teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (100g) shredded carrots, loosely measured, not packed
- ½ cup (65g) finely chopped toasted pecans
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups (187g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- finely chopped toasted pecans (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, spices, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in shredded carrots and chopped pecans.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool bars in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy; add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost cooled bars and garnish with chopped pecans if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg