Description
These Citrus Swirled Carrot Cake Bars offer a delightful twist on a classic, combining warm spices with a bright citrus swirl and luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these moist and flavorful bars are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7oz) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure.
- 2 tsp (10g) Baking Powder: Leavening agent for a light texture.
- 1 tsp (5g) Baking Soda: Enhances lift and crumb tenderness.
- 1/2 tsp (2g) Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 2 tsp (4g) Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
- 1/2 tsp (1g) Ground Nutmeg: Complements cinnamon with a nutty aroma.
- 250g (9oz) Grated Carrots (about 2 medium): The star ingredient for moisture and flavor.
- 100g (3.5oz) Chopped Walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- 120ml (1/2 cup) Vegetable Oil: Keeps bars moist and tender.
- 150g (3/4 cup) Brown Sugar: Contributes to moistness and caramel flavor.
- 100g (1/2 cup) Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and browning.
- 2 Large Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
- 225g (8oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Base of the frosting.
- 60g (1/4 cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Adds richness and creaminess to frosting.
- 250g (2 cups) Powdered Sugar, Sifted: Creates a smooth and fluffy frosting.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract (for frosting): Enhances frosting flavor.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Fresh Orange Juice: Adds bright citrus flavor to frosting.
- Zest of 1 Orange (about 1 tsp): Intensifies orange flavor.
- 30g (1oz) Toasted Almond Slivers: Provides crunch and visual appeal.
- Extra Orange Zest for Dusting: Adds a final touch of citrus.
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, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Carrots & Walnuts: Gently fold in grated carrots and walnuts (if using).
- Bake to Perfection: Spread batter into pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Allow cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until light and creamy.
- Sweeten & Flavor Frosting: Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, orange juice, and zest.
- Create Citrus Swirl: Divide frosting, adding extra orange juice to one portion.
- Frost & Swirl: Spread frosting, swirl with orange-infused frosting.
- Garnish & Chill: Sprinkle with almond slivers and orange zest, then chill for 30 minutes.
- Cut & Serve: Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is crucial to prevent melting. Using freshly grated carrots provides the best moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: carrot cake,bars,citrus,orange,cream cheese frosting,baking,dessert,spice