Carrot Cake Bars

I admit that I was intimidated by the thought of making carrot cake. I am here to tell you that it is not hard! I would even use the word "easy" to describe it! This recipe was awesome. Highly recommended.

Carrot Cake Bars
1 1/2 C flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 C Packed light brown sugar
1/2 C granulated sugar
2/3 C vegetable oil
1/3 C applesauce (or an additional 1/3 C vegetable oil)
3 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 C finely grated carrots

Cream Cheese Frosting
1/2 C salted butter
8 oz. cream cheese
3-3 1/2 C powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Cake Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for 30 seconds, set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, using a wooden spoon, blend together brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and applesauce until smooth.  Add in eggs and vanilla and mix until well combined. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix until it is just combined. Fold in grated Carrots. Pour into a greased 13 by 9 in baking dish, or a cookie sheet. Spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting. Store in an airtight container.

Frosting Instructions: Mix all ingredients in mixing bowl until smooth. If needed, add more powdered sugar until frosting has a thick, smooth consistency.

​Step by Step:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for 30 seconds

 In a separate mixing bowl, using a wooden spoon, blend together brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and applesauce until smooth. ​

Add in eggs and vanilla and mix until well combined

 Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix until it is just combined

Now you get out your handy dandy Healthy Gourmet Grater and finely Grate the carrots.

Fold in grated Carrots.

Pour into a greased 13 by 9 in baking dish, or a cookie sheet. Spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting. Store in an airtight container. ​

Frosting:
Mix all ingredients until smooth!

Your frosting should have a thick, smooth consistency. Enjoy!!!

**These were great in my cookie sheet, just like bars. You can bake in a 9 by 13 pan for more a thicker cake. I chose to cut mine out of the cookie sheet to make a naked cake because they are cute!