Carrot Pecan Bars
Indulge in the rich flavors and irresistible texture of Carrot Pecan Bars, a delightful twist on classic carrot cake. These moist, spiced bars are infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, packed with freshly grated carrots, and studded with crunchy chopped pecans for a satisfying bite in every square. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they strike the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Ready in just under an hour, this easy-to-make treat is ideal for spring gatherings, holiday desserts, or simply as a cozy afternoon snack. Serve these melt-in-your-mouth carrot pecan bars chilled for a refreshing treat or enjoy them as a make-ahead dessert, as they store beautifully in the fridge for days. Perfect for carrot cake lovers looking for a flavorful, portable version of their favorite dessert!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 0.75 cup Brown sugar
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups Carrots, grated
- 0.75 cup Pecans, chopped
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until well combined.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined (do not overmix).
Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans until evenly distributed in the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.
Lift the frosted bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 squares or bars.
Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
454 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.8 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.3 g | 62% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 84 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 226 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.8 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.7 g | ||
| Protein | 4.8 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 56 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 169 mg | 4% | |
*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.
