Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, stir together melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
- Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Fold in grated carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 27-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until creamy and lump-free.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
- Optional: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
For best results, ensure the butter and cream cheese are well softened before making the frosting to avoid lumps. Baking time affects texture: shorter baking yields moister bars, longer baking yields cakier bars. Nuts on top add a pleasant crunch but are optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg