Is it better to use oil or butter in carrot cake?

Oil is typically the better choice for carrot cake because it creates a moist and tender texture. Since oil stays liquid at room temperature, it helps keep the cake soft even after cooling. Butter, while adding a richer flavor, can make the cake slightly denser. For the best results, some bakers use a mix of both to balance flavor and texture.

What is a substitute for pineapple in carrot cake?

If you need a substitute for pineapple in carrot cake, try mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, or grated zucchini. These options add moisture and natural sweetness without drastically changing the cake’s flavor. Another good alternative is yogurt, which keeps the cake soft while reducing the sugar content.

What is a carrot cake bomb?

A carrot cake bomb is a small, round dessert made by rolling crumbled carrot cake and cream cheese frosting into bite-sized balls, then dipping them in chocolate or white chocolate. These treats are similar to cake pops and offer a fun, portable way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake.

Is carrot cake healthy or unhealthy?

Carrot cake contains healthy ingredients like carrots and nuts, but it is generally considered an indulgent dessert because of its high sugar, oil, and cream cheese frosting content. To make a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar, use whole wheat flour, and substitute part of the oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt.

What is the unhealthiest cake in the world?

Some of the unhealthiest cakes include deep-fried cakes, extra-rich cheesecakes, and multi-layer cakes with excessive frosting. Cakes like chocolate lava cake, pound cake, and desserts loaded with butter, cream, and refined sugar tend to be the highest in calories and fat.

Why is carrot cake so high in calories?

Carrot cake is high in calories mainly because of its oil, sugar, and cream cheese frosting. While carrots themselves are low in calories, the cake base often includes nuts, raisins, and a dense batter, all of which add to the overall calorie count. The rich cream cheese frosting significantly increases the fat and sugar content.

Carrot Cake Bars Recipe – Easy & Irresistibly Delicious

Description

These carrot cake bars are the perfect way to enjoy all the warm, spiced flavors of a traditional carrot cake in an easy, handheld form. Moist and flavorful, they’re packed with freshly grated carrots, crunchy walnuts, and sweet raisins. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether for a family gathering, potluck, or afternoon snack, this easy-to-make recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Bars:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups freshly grated carrots
½ cup walnuts, chopped
½ cup raisins

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor for the best texture. Avoid pre-shredded carrots, as they tend to be too dry.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Bars

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 7: Frost the Carrot Cake Bars

Once the cake bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top (optional).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: ~22g
Sodium: ~150mg (estimate based on ingredients)
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
Trans Fat: ~0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: ~1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: ~40mg

Keywords: Carrot cake bars, easy dessert, cream cheese frosting, homemade carrot cake, moist carrot cake bars, spiced cake