Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, combine wet ingredients until smooth.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined; fold in carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
- Pour batter into a prepared baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Cool bars completely before making the frosting.
- Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cooled bars and slice into squares before serving.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and fluffy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 30