Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add carrots: Gently fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture until well combined, ensuring the carrots are evenly distributed.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
