These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake. Moist, tender, and perfectly spiced, these bars are topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that makes them utterly irresistible. Perfect for a crowd, these bars are easy to make and deliver all the flavors you love in a simple, easy-to-serve form. Whether for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just a sweet indulgence, these carrot cake bars are sure to become a favorite.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Make the Carrot Cake Bars
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using).
- Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Sugar
- Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined and smooth. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more powdered sugar if desired.
- Frost the Bars
- Once the carrot cake bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Carrots: Grate the carrots using the small holes on your box grater for a finer texture, which helps the bars stay moist and tender.
- Chill the Frosting: For a firmer frosting, chill the cream cheese mixture for 15-20 minutes before spreading it on the bars.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Pineapple Carrot Bars: Add 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter for extra moisture and a touch of sweetness.
- Raisin Addition: Fold in 1/4 cup of raisins along with the carrots for a burst of sweetness in each bite.
- Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese frosting for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the carrot cake bars a day in advance and frost them when ready to serve. Store them covered in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze carrot cake bars? A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely! Simply double all of the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.
These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of classic carrot cake in a convenient, easy-to-serve form. With their moist texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or just treating yourself to a little sweetness. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself making these delicious bars again and again!
