Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect treat, combining a spiced, moist cake with a smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting. With an optional walnut crunch, they’re a delicious twist on classic carrot cake, perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and perfect for parties, these bars will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and cut into 16 squares.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can swap the walnuts for pecans or completely omit them. The pineapple can be replaced with unsweetened applesauce for a different flavor.
- Texture Tips: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened before mixing the frosting to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These carrot cake bars are a delightful twist on the classic, featuring a moist, spiced cake topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress with their comforting flavors and irresistible texture.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Whisk together dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Beat butter and sugars until light, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
- Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and walnuts.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Frost the cooled bars.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 bars
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 55-60 minutes
Variations
- Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Replace pineapple with unsweetened applesauce.
- Add raisins or shredded coconut for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
FAQs
Can I make these bars without walnuts?
Yes, walnuts are optional. You can omit them or replace them with another nut like pecans.
Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, you can use a vanilla buttercream or a dairy-free frosting if you prefer.
How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?
Make sure not to overbake them. Check for doneness with a toothpick, and remove them from the oven once it comes out clean.
Can I freeze these carrot cake bars?
Yes, they freeze well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container.
Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
Yes, but brown sugar adds extra moisture and a deeper flavor, so the texture might differ slightly.
How can I make the frosting creamier?
Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing.
Are these bars suitable for a party?
Absolutely! They’re easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for gatherings.
How can I make the bars spicier?
Add extra cinnamon or a pinch of cloves for a more intense flavor.
Can I make the recipe in advance?
Yes, the bars and frosting can be made a day ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Can I make a cake instead of bars?
Yes, bake the batter in an 8-inch round or square pan for a traditional cake.
Conclusion
These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a guaranteed hit for any dessert lover. With their soft, spiced cake and creamy frosting, they’re a perfect treat for family gatherings, parties, or a cozy afternoon snack. Enjoy!