Carrot Patch Bars
Transform your dessert table into a whimsical garden with these delightful Carrot Patch Bars! Perfect for spring celebrations or any time you're craving a touch of creativity, these moist, spiced carrot bars are topped with creamy homemade frosting and a clever "dirt" layer made of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. Topped with adorable candy carrots, these bars offer the perfect balance of flavor and fun. With a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, optional crunchy walnuts, and a rich cream cheese topping, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Easy to make and visually stunning, these carrot cake-inspired bars are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Perfect for Easter, garden parties, or just a sweet treat, Carrot Patch Bars are as charming as they are delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups grated carrots
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos)
- 12 pieces candy carrots (or orange and green icing to pipe carrots)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, combine the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the grated carrots and, if using, the chopped walnuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before proceeding with the frosting.
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until creamy and spreadable.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot bars.
Sprinkle the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies over the frosting to create the appearance of 'soil'.
Decorate the top with candy carrots or pipe small carrot shapes using orange and green icing.
Slice into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
615 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.5 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g | 56% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 73 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 297 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 72.2 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.5 g | ||
| Protein | 5.1 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 47 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 132 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
