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
Scale
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
