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!

Nutriscore Rating: 37/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3

In a separate large bowl, combine the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5

Fold in the grated carrots and, if using, the chopped walnuts.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before proceeding with the frosting.

Step 9

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

Step 10

Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until creamy and spreadable.

Step 11

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot bars.

Step 12

Sprinkle the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies over the frosting to create the appearance of 'soil'.

Step 13

Decorate the top with candy carrots or pipe small carrot shapes using orange and green icing.

Step 14

Slice into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1881.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7819.2

Total Fat 434.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 137.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 881.4mg	0%
Sodium 3733.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 981.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.2g	0%
Total Sugars 774.5g
Protein 62.8g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 586.7mg	0%
Iron 20.0mg	0%
Potassium 1578.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 3.1%

Carbs: 48.6%