Description
Delicious cream cheese bars that combine the comforting flavors of carrot cake with a delightful cream cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for cream cheese layer
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix grated carrots, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until no lumps remain.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined without over-mixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese layer evenly on top.
- Cut the bars into squares and serve. Optional: garnish with cinnamon or chopped nuts.
Notes
Store in an airtight container. Can be served warm or chilled. Consider pairing with ice cream or drinks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese bars, dessert recipe