Carrot Cake Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that brings all the flavors of a classic carrot cake into a convenient, handheld bar form. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying as a sweet snack. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own carrot cake bars at home.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, whisking until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bars.
- Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts or pecans (if using), shredded coconut (if using), and crushed pineapple (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Carrot Cake Bars
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat the frosting on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost the Carrot Cake Bars
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Cut the frosted bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.
- Optional: Garnish the bars with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the carrot cake bars immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Enjoy the rich flavors and moist texture of these delicious carrot cake bars with a cup of coffee or tea!
Cook’s Notes
- Grating Carrots: For best results, finely grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor. This ensures that the carrots blend well into the batter and keep the bars moist.
- Add-Ins: The walnuts, coconut, and pineapple are optional but add great texture and flavor. Feel free to customize based on your preferences.
- Pan Size: If you prefer thinner bars, you can use a 9×13-inch pan and reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes.
Variations
Carrot Cake Bars with Raisins
Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the batter for a chewy, sweet addition.
Spiced Carrot Cake Bars
Increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves for a spicier flavor.
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Bars
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and frost them just before serving.
2. How do I store leftover carrot cake bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The bars can be served cold or brought to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I freeze carrot cake bars?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.
4. What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If you prefer, you can use mascarpone cheese for a milder flavor or Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter frosting.
5. Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting. Just be sure to soften it slightly before spreading it on the bars.
Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering all the rich flavors and moist texture in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to be a hit. Customize them with your favorite add-ins and enjoy the combination of sweet, spiced cake and creamy frosting. Serve them as a dessert, snack, or even a breakfast treat!
