Description
These carrot cake bars offer a delightful twist on a classic, featuring warm spices, sweet carrots, and a tangy cream cheese frosting with a hint of cardamom and a bright orange glaze. They’re easy to slice and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7oz) Finely Grated Carrots: Freshly grated for maximum moisture.
- 150g (1 cup) All-Purpose Flour: Spoon and level for accurate measurement.
- 100g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and tenderness.
- 100g (½ cup) Packed Light Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and chewiness.
- 1 tsp (5g) Baking Soda: Leavening agent for a light texture.
- ½ tsp (2g) Baking Powder: Provides extra lift.
- ¼ tsp (1g) Salt: Enhances flavors.
- 1 tsp (2.5g) Ground Cinnamon: Classic carrot cake spice.
- ½ tsp (1g) Ground Nutmeg: Complements cinnamon with a nutty note.
- 2 Large Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- 120ml (½ cup) Neutral Vegetable Oil: Keeps bars moist.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor.
- 150g (5.3oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Base for the cardamom swirl.
- 60g (¼ cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Adds richness to the swirl.
- 80g (⅔ cup) Powdered Sugar (for filling): Sweetens the swirl.
- ½ tsp (1g) Ground Cardamom: Unique aromatic spice for the swirl.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Orange Juice (for filling): Brightens the swirl.
- 1 tsp Orange Zest: Intensifies orange flavor.
- 60g (½ cup) Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth glaze.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Orange Juice (for glaze): Adds flavor to the glaze.
- 30g (¼ cup) Sliced Toasted Almonds: Provides crunch and nutty flavor.
- Pinch Sea Salt (optional, for glaze): Balances glaze sweetness.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 20x20cm (8×8-inch) pan with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat eggs, oil, and vanilla, then stir in carrots.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: Beat cream cheese and butter, then add powdered sugar, cardamom, orange juice, and zest.
- Layer & Swirl: Spread batter, drop swirl mixture, and gently swirl.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & Remove: Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely before glazing.
Notes
Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: carrot cake,bars,cardamom,orange,cream cheese,baking,dessert,spiced