Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re searching for a joyous, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s delightfully easy to make, look no further than Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. These bars combine everything you love about classic carrot cake: sweet, spiced flavor, tender crumb, and a lush blanket of tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any gathering or a simple weeknight treat, they deliver delicious homemade goodness in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is refreshingly simple, yet each element plays a crucial part. From warm spices to the velvety frosting, every addition has a purpose—ensuring the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in every square.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bars their soft structure without making them dense.
- Baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a tender, fluffy crumb.
- Baking soda: Works with the carrots and sugar to create the bars’ lovely rise.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a comforting spice that pairs beautifully with carrots.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of warmth and a subtle layer of depth.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and light instead of heavy or oily.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and ensures a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Contributes a touch of caramel richness and extra moisture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help the bars hold together delightfully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds pure, aromatic sweetness.
- Finely grated carrots: The star! Imparts natural sweetness, color, and moisture—grate them small for best texture.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Fun for crunch and a hint of nutty flavor—totally up to you.
- Cream cheese: Provides the rich, tangy base for that glorious frosting.
- Unsalted butter: Lends creaminess and complements the cream cheese.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a silky, spreadable texture.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): A splash for extra flavor in the creamy topping.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness of the frosting and lets the flavors pop.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step ensures your Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting will release easily and maintain perfect edges, making slicing a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking distributes the spices and leavening agents, creating a wonderfully even flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Carrots
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Gently stir in the finely grated carrots—the finer you grate, the silkier the texture of your bars.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the dry ingredients into the wet carrot mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bars beautifully tender. If you love a little crunch, now’s the time to fold in those walnuts or pecans.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly from edge to edge. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely, as this is key to ensuring the cream cheese frosting sets up neatly on top.
Step 6: Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and combined. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then mix until your frosting is creamy, fluffy, and irresistible. Don’t skimp on whipping—this step ensures that signature cloud-like texture.
Step 7: Frost, Slice, and Savor!
Spread that luscious frosting generously over your cooled bars. Cut into tidy squares and prepare yourself for the ultimate Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting experience. Each bite is a mini celebration!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Add a dash of flair by topping your Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a scatter of chopped walnuts or pecans, or even a few delicate orange zest curls. Not only does it look delightful, but it adds extra texture and brightness.
Side Dishes
These bars are wonderfully rich, so pair them with something fresh and light like berries, a citrus fruit salad, or even a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea makes a cozy complement, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, cut the bars small and pile them high on a tiered platter, or serve individual squares in cupcake liners. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle a little caramel or dust with powdered sugar for an eye-catching touch on your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting keep beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. Simply cover the pan tightly or store sliced bars in an airtight container—this helps lock in moisture and keeps the frosting fresh and creamy.
Freezing
If you’d like to make these ahead, freeze unfrosted or frosted bars (just expect a slightly softer frosting texture once thawed). Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil, and tuck into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about two months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
These bars are delicious straight from the fridge, but if you prefer them a little softer, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. There’s no need to reheat in the oven—just let the frosting gently come to temp for the best creamy bite!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! You can swap in whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose, but expect a denser, heartier texture. For best results, try a half-and-half blend to keep the bars moist and tender.
What’s the best way to grate the carrots?
Use the fine holes on a box grater for perfectly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pre-shredded carrots are often too thick and dry, so freshly grating makes a noticeable difference in these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I add raisins or pineapple?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in a handful of raisins or 1/4 cup well-drained crushed pineapple to the batter before baking, just as the recipe notes. Both add sweetness and moisture, plus extra bursts of flavor in every bite.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour without much change in taste or texture. As always, ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free if you’re baking for someone with allergies.
Does the cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese and butter, these bars should be stored in the refrigerator, especially if you’re keeping them for more than a couple of hours. The frosting stays lush and safe, ready for snacking any time the craving hits!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing homemade Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting with the people you love. Whether you’re baking a batch for a party, gifting a plate to a friend, or simply treating yourself, these bars never fail to brighten the day. Give them a whirl—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Carrot Cake Bars with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist and flavorful bars are a perfect treat for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert time.
Ingredients
For the carrot cake bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots.
- Combine and bake: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in chopped nuts if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool before frosting.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Spread over cooled bars.
Notes
- Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in crushed pineapple or raisins to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
