Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
There is something incredibly comforting and delicious about Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that turns a classic cake into a handheld treat filled with moist, warmly spiced carrot goodness and topped with luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. These bars are perfect for when you want that familiar carrot cake flavor in a convenient, shareable form. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a sweet snack, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a truly unforgettable dessert experience that feels like a warm hug with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking these irresistible bars, and each one plays a crucial role in building depth of flavor, texture, and richness. From the aromatic spices to the fresh carrots and creamy frosting components, every ingredient is essential for achieving the perfect carrot cake bar.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of the batter that provides structure and a tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): Adds warmth and classic spice notes that define carrot cake.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the bars rise and stay light while keeping them moist.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Works alongside baking soda to ensure perfect texture.
- Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Introduces a slight zing that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Provides a subtle depth with its nutty, sweet spice.
- Butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and keeps the bars moist and tender.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the batter, bringing out the flavors of the carrots and spices.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Contributes a toasty sweetness and moist texture.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with its sweet aroma.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): The star of the show, providing moisture, color, and natural sweetness.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): The creamy, tangy heart of the frosting that takes these bars over the top.
- Butter, softened (4 tbsp): Adds silkiness and richness to the cream cheese frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp for frosting): Imparts a lovely aroma and smooth flavor to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking pan in advance is key, so grease a 9×13-inch pan well to ensure your carrot cake bars won’t stick and can be removed easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients introduces all the warm spice notes that will give the bars their classic carrot cake taste.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. This step is important to create a light batter. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract to boost flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in Carrots
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Then gently fold in the freshly shredded carrots. These carrots bring moisture, bright color, and natural sweetness to the bars.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Pour and spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan to make frosting easier and to prevent melting.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting reaches a luscious, spreadable consistency that’s just perfect for topping.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Once frosted, slice into 12 generous bars and get ready to enjoy every bite of this dreamy combination of spice, sweetness, and creamy topping.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting. Toasted coconut flakes or a light dusting of cinnamon can also add delightful texture and aroma. These simple garnishes enhance both presentation and flavor without overpowering the bars themselves.
Side Dishes
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced berries or a crisp apple salad to balance out the richness. For drinks, consider a warm chai latte or a fresh cup of coffee to complement the spices in the bars beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these bars on a rustic wooden board or colorful ceramic platter invites an inviting, homemade feel. For parties, try cutting them into small bite-sized squares and stacking them in a pyramid shape for easy grabbing. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper with a tied ribbon turns them into delightful gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting keeps best chilled, and this method prevents the bars from drying out while maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars either frosted or unfrosted. To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you like your bars slightly warm, reheat unfrosted bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through. If frosted, allow the bars to come to room temperature first, as reheating can cause the frosting to soften too much or separate.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like all-purpose flour. Just be sure to use one that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain the texture of the bars.
How finely should the carrots be shredded?
Medium to finely shredded carrots work best. If they are too chunky, the bars might have an uneven texture. Grating them too fine is not necessary, as the bits contribute nice moisture and texture to each bite.
Can I make these bars without nuts?
Absolutely! This Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is delicious without nuts at all. If you want extra crunch, add them as a topping or mix-in, but skipping nuts does not compromise the flavor.
How thick should the frosting layer be?
The frosting should be spread in a nice, even layer about 1/4 inch thick. This amount balances the spiced carrot base perfectly without overpowering it, giving a creamy complement to each bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
With some substitutions, yes. Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives and check that your powdered sugar is free from any dairy-based anti-caking agents. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still very tasty!
Final Thoughts
If you love the comforting flavors of classic carrot cake but want a fun, shareable twist, this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your go-to solution. It’s simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dessert or a treat to impress friends. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite of that perfect combination of spice, carrot sweetness, and creamy frosting just as much as I do.
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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the classic flavors of moist carrot cake with a rich and tangy cream cheese topping, all baked in a convenient bar form perfect for desserts, snacks, or parties. Made with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice wrapped in a soft, tender crumb.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine & Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Carefully fold in the shredded carrots to evenly distribute them without overmixing the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is thick, creamy, and spreadable.
- Frost & Serve: Once the carrot cake bars have cooled entirely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 12 bars and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure the carrot cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- Shred carrots finely to ensure they cook through during baking and evenly distribute throughout the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
