Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfectly moist and flavorful, these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire! Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cake that’s not only light but also filled with the goodness of fresh carrots. Topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting, these bars offer an indulgent dessert experience that simply can’t be missed. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, these bars are easy to whip up and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a practical choice for any busy day.

Baking is about bringing joy to ourselves and our loved ones, and these carrot cake bars encapsulate that perfectly. As you mix together the warm spices and shredded carrots, the aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather round. So, grab your apron, and let’s create something special that will surely make your taste buds sing!

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

You’ll quickly find out why these carrot cake bars are a must-bake! First off, their moist texture and vibrant flavors will have you coming back for seconds—trust me! The warm spices blend wonderfully, giving each bite a comforting taste that feels like a warm hug. Plus, the creamy frosting contrasts perfectly with the cake, transforming a simple dessert into something truly indulgent.

What’s even better? These carrot cake bars are effortless to prepare! You can whip them up in under an hour, and they store well too. Whether you’re planning for a picnic, a family gathering, or just a casual dessert at home, you’ll appreciate how simple these bars are to make ahead of time. Honestly, what’s not to love?

What is a Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s break it down! The carrot cake bars are a simplified version of the traditional carrot cake you might be used to. They present the same delightful flavors, but in a convenient bar form. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the goodness of carrot cake, minus the fuss.

Each bar is topped with rich cream cheese frosting, which adds a velvety texture and delicious sweetness. This delightful contrast makes each bite a little piece of heaven. It’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Mix the Dry Ingredients

To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step is crucial because it ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside for now.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Next, let’s tackle the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until it’s all smooth. This blend becomes the moist foundation of your bars, enhancing the wonderful flavors of the carrots.

Combine and Fold

Now we’re getting to the fun part! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. As you mix, stir just until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want these to be light and fluffy. Then fold in those grated carrots along with the optional walnuts and raisins. These ingredients add texture and flavor that truly take the bars to the next level.

Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before we move on to the frosting part.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, let’s make our frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This frosting is your finishing touch, ensuring every bite is filled with that luscious cream cheese goodness.

Frost and Serve

Once your carrot cake bars are completely cool, it’s time to frost! Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the bars for a beautiful finish. When you’re ready to serve, slice them into squares. These look great on any dessert table and are sure to impress your family and friends.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your carrot cake bars even more, consider serving them with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top. This adds a little extra crunch and flavor. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. If you want something even more indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream can do wonders!

Tips for Success

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This leads to better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Avoid overmixing—this keeps the bars light and fluffy. Mix just until combined and no flour pockets remain.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. This ensures a cleaner look and prevents the frosting from melting.

Variations

Feel like mixing things up? You can substitute some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor. Another option is to add shredded coconut for a delicious twist on the classic recipe. Alternatively, try crushing pineapple to mix in for added moisture and sweetness.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer preservation, freeze un-frosted bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, and they’ll last up to three months without losing their delightful taste.

Pairing Ideas

For a refreshing contrast, pair your carrot cake bars with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. If you’re in the mood for something decadent, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a sweet twist that enhances the overall flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can swap half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

2. How do I prevent the bars from becoming too dry?
Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking, and test with a toothpick often.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! Feel free to bake them a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

4. What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
Flax eggs or applesauce work well as an egg substitute in this recipe.

5. Can I add different nuts or dried fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to try your favorite nuts or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just a treat; they bring together comfort, joy, and a hint of nostalgia. Perfect for sharing and savoring, they are bound to become a beloved recipe in your collection. The ease of preparation paired with the delightful flavors makes them ideal for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or at room temperature, and watch your loved ones delight in every bite!

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

• Baked Mini Egg Easter Cheesecake
• Gluten Free Carrot Cake
• Coconut Cake made with Box Mix
• Tennessee Peach Pudding

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a moist and flavorful dessert experience. It’s a perfect blend of warm spices and fresh carrots, topped with rich frosting, making it an easy and delightful treat for any occasion.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

• Whisk dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
• In another bowl, combine wet ingredients until smooth.
• Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined; fold in carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
• Pour batter into a prepared baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
• Cool bars completely before making the frosting.
• Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.
• Frost the cooled bars and slice into squares before serving.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and fluffy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20
• Sodium: 200
• Fat: 10
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Unsaturated Fat: 7
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 38
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 3
• Cholesterol: 30