Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering all the flavors you love in a portable and easy-to-make form. These bars are moist, packed with carrots, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes them irresistible. Whether you are a fan of carrot cake or looking for a new dessert to impress your guests, these Carrot Cake Bars are sure to be a hit.
What sets these bars apart is their perfect balance of sweetness from the carrots and the warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The texture is wonderfully dense yet moist, making each bite a comforting experience. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat after dinner, Carrot Cake Bars are versatile and suitable for any occasion.
Recipe Quick Facts
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine Type: American
Course: Dessert
Dietary Labels: Vegetarian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– The perfect blend of carrot sweetness and warm spices
– Easy and quick to make, ideal for busy bakers
– Can be customized with nuts, raisins, or coconut for added texture
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
– Mixing bowl
– Hand or stand mixer
– 9×13-inch baking pan
– Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, grated carrots, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.
8. Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious Carrot Cake Bars!
Pro Tips for Success
– To make the bars even more flavorful, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
– Make sure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
– For a decorative touch, sprinkle some additional cinnamon or chopped nuts on top of the frosting before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
– For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
– Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist to the classic recipe.
– Instead of cream cheese frosting, try a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature: Store the Carrot Cake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: If storing longer, refrigerate the bars for up to a week, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
– Pair these Carrot Cake Bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
– A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for a decadent dessert option.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Sodium: 240mg
FAQ
1. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can bake the bars ahead of time and frost them before serving.
2. Can I add nuts to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch to the bars.
3. Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, melted coconut oil can be a delicious alternative for added flavor.
4. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bars are ready.
5. Can I freeze leftover bars?
Yes, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes
Carrot Cake Bars are a perfect treat for potlucks, bake sales, or simply as a sweet indulgence for yourself. The combination of moist cake and creamy frosting will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering all the flavors you love in a portable and easy-to-make form. These bars are moist, packed with carrots, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes them irresistible. Whether you are a fan of carrot cake or looking for a new dessert to impress your guests, these Carrot Cake Bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
3 large eggs
-
1 cup vegetable oil
-
2 cups grated carrots
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
2 cups powdered sugar
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
-
Add the eggs, vegetable oil, grated carrots, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
-
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Allow the bars to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.
-
Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious Carrot Cake Bars!
