Cake Mix Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars

Image Credit: BHG

It takes time to make a delicious carrot cake, but making these carrot cake bars is quick and easy. The secret shortcut is to use a cake mix.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 package 2-layer-size yellow or white cake mix
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup cooking oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 eggs
1 cup finely shredded carrot
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting or one 16-ounce can cream cheese frosting
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch baking pan; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, milk, oil, vanilla, ginger, and eggs.
Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined.
Stir in carrot and raisins.
Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched.
Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting. (Recipe Below)
Sprinkle with the nuts.
Cut into bars.
Makes 32 bars.

Place bars in a single layer in an airtight container; cover.
Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

Ingredients:

4ounces cream cheese, softened (half of an 8-ounce package)
1/4cup butter, softened
1/2teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2cups powdered sugar

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.
Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Gradually beat in powdered sugar until frosting is spreadable.