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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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

  1. Ingredients
  2. Instructions
  3. Cook Notes & Tips
  4. Recipe Variations
  5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  6. 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

  1. Preheat Oven
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. 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

  1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter
    • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!