These Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering all the delicious flavors in an easy-to-make bar form. Moist, tender, and full of warm spices, these bars are topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert for a family gathering, a party, or just as a sweet treat, these carrot cake bars are sure to be a hit. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars
- Instructions for Carrot Cake Bars
- Tips & Notes
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars
Carrot Cake Bars
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions for Carrot Cake Bars
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine and Add Carrots
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using).
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
- Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Notes
- Grate Carrots Finely: Finely grate the carrots to ensure they blend well into the batter and create a moist texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter and frosting.
- Chill Before Serving: For cleaner slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Add-ins: Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins or shredded coconut for additional texture and sweetness.
- Spiced Twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Healthier Option: Replace half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce the fat content while keeping the bars moist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the carrot cake bars up to 2 days in advance. Store them covered at room temperature and frost them just before serving for best results.
2. How do I store leftover carrot cake bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting may soften if left at room temperature for too long, so keep them chilled.
3. Can I freeze carrot cake bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for added crunch.
- Serve with Coffee: Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Add Spices: Dust the frosted bars with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra aromatic touch.
These Carrot Cake Bars are a perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional carrot cake in a convenient, easy-to-share bar form. With their tender texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting, they are a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you make them for a special gathering or just because, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of these moist, flavorful bars!
