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Easy Carrot Cake Bars

Easy Carrot Cake Bars

Moist, warmly spiced carrot cake bars that mix up in minutes—no mixer needed. Perfect for snacking or a quick dessert.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.75 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.75 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cup finely shredded carrots lightly packed
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 0.5 cup raisins optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan and line with parchment, leaving overhang.
  • Whisk flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
  • Fold in shredded carrots, walnuts, and raisins to coat with the dry mixture.
  • Stir applesauce, oil, and vanilla together in a separate bowl until smooth.
  • Pour wet ingredients into dry. Mix just until no dry streaks remain; do not overmix.
  • Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake 23–27 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out mostly clean.
  • Cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Lift out, cool completely, then slice into bars.

Notes

For a sweet finish, spread cooled bars with quick cream cheese icing (4 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, splash of vanilla). Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut or swap raisins for chopped dates for a twist. Store bars covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days; they freeze well for 2 months.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Carrot Cake Bars flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.