Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make twist on classic carrot cake. Packed with warm spices, shredded carrots, and topped with a creamy layer of cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for dessert, brunch, or as a snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavors of carrot cake in a simple bar form.
• Moist, tender texture with a creamy frosting.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or portioning into grab-and-go treats.
• Quick and easier to make than a traditional layered carrot cake.
• Customizable with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or raisins.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bars:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• Vanilla extract
• Shredded carrots (freshly grated for best texture)
• Optional mix-ins: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Directions

Make the Bars:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the shredded carrots and any optional mix-ins like nuts or raisins.
5. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

6. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well blended.
7. Frost the Bars:
   • Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars.

Cut and Serve:

8. Slice and Enjoy:
   • Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12–16 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Healthier Option: Substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce and reduce the sugar slightly.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for extra warmth.
• Coconut Carrot Cake Bars: Stir in shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use flax eggs, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based butter for a vegan version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
• Reheating: These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Freshly grated carrots are best as pre-shredded ones are often too dry and coarse.

How do I prevent the bars from being too dense?

Mix the batter just until combined, and avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, bake the bars and frost them up to a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What nuts work best for this recipe?

Walnuts and pecans are classic choices that complement the carrot cake flavors beautifully.

Can I skip the frosting?

The bars are delicious on their own, but the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy element that’s highly recommended.

Can I make this recipe in a smaller pan?

Yes, but the baking time will increase slightly if using an 8×8-inch pan.

How do I make the frosting thicker?

Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I add pineapple to the bars?

Yes, fold in drained crushed pineapple for extra moisture and flavor.

Are these bars kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweetness and creamy frosting make them a hit with kids.

What can I serve with these bars?

Pair them with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the warm, spiced flavors of classic carrot cake without the fuss of layering. Easy to make and topped with creamy frosting, these bars are great for sharing or enjoying any time. Try them today and savor a slice of carrot cake heaven!

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