Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These decadent carrot cake bars combine the warm spices and moist texture of classic carrot cake with the convenience of a handheld treat. Topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for dessert, snacks, or sharing at gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Step 3: Fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture until evenly combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
7. Step 7: While the bars cool, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until fluffy. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with shredded coconut.
• Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened at room temperature to achieve a smooth frosting.
• For extra moisture and flavor, you can add 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter.

Storage

Store carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh grated carrots or pre-packaged shredded carrots?

Freshly grated carrots are best for moisture and texture, but pre-packaged shredded carrots can also work well in this recipe.

How can I make these bars vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), use plant-based oil, and replace cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offer all the rich flavors of classic carrot cake in an easy-to-make bar form. Moist grated carrots, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts combine in a tender, spiced batter, baked to perfection and topped with a luscious, creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert, snacks, or celebrations, these bars are a comforting treat that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrot Cake Bars

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Add carrots: Gently fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture until well combined, ensuring the carrots are evenly distributed.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to blend the spices and leavening agents thoroughly.
5. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined without overmixing. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts for added crunch.
6. Bake the bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
7. Prepare the frosting: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice into squares and enjoy this decadent treat.

Notes

• For added texture and flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
• Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To soften cream cheese and butter quickly, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred, or omit nuts for a nut-free version.

Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, spiced carrot dessert, walnut carrot bars, easy carrot cake recipe