Carrot cake lovers, rejoice! These Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, making them perfect for every occasion—be it a holiday gathering, an afternoon tea, or just because you’re craving something sweet. With their tender, spiced crumb and silky cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
This recipe is steeped in nostalgia, bringing back memories of family get-togethers where carrot cake often took center stage. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with the natural sweetness of carrots creates a flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. Let’s dive into making these irresistible treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to make: No fancy equipment needed—just mix, bake, and frost!
- Versatile: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as a quick snack.
- Rich in flavor: A balance of warm spices, sweet carrots, and tangy cream cheese frosting.
- Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and tender. Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts, if using.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and lump-free.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice them into squares or rectangles and serve. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon.
Helpful Tips
- Grating the Carrots: Use a fine grater for the carrots to ensure they blend seamlessly into the batter, adding moisture without being overpowering.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be baked and frosted a day in advance. Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- Chill Before Slicing: For cleaner slices and a firmer frosting, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Custom Additions: Stir in 1/4 cup raisins for extra sweetness or a handful of shredded coconut for added texture.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- If you’re out of pecans or walnuts, try sunflower seeds or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
- For a lighter frosting, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a splash of milk for a softer consistency.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 17g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a balance.
How should I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them (without frosting) for up to 3 months.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Carrot Cake Bars, try these other delectable treats:
Conclusion
These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a dessert dream come true! Whether you’re making them for a celebration or just because, they’re sure to impress. With their moist crumb, balanced spice, and creamy frosting, they’ll leave everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So grab your apron and get baking—you deserve a treat!
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Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – Moist, Sweet, and Irresistible!
Description
Carrot cake lovers, rejoice! These Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, making them perfect for every occasion—be it a holiday gathering, an afternoon tea, or just because you’re craving something sweet. With their tender, spiced crumb and silky cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
This recipe is steeped in nostalgia, bringing back memories of family get-togethers where carrot cake often took center stage. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with the natural sweetness of carrots creates a flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. Let’s dive into making these irresistible treats!
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and tender. Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts, if using.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and lump-free.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice them into squares or rectangles and serve. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon.
Notes
- If you’re out of pecans or walnuts, try sunflower seeds or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
- For a lighter frosting, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a splash of milk for a softer consistency.
