Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These decadent carrot cake bars offer all the warm spices and moist texture of traditional carrot cake in an easy-to-serve bar form. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the vegetable oil and eggs together until the mixture is fluffy. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Step 4: Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While the bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, try adding ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter.
• Substitute walnuts with pecans or leave nuts out entirely for a nut-free version.
• Use shredded zucchini in place of carrots for a different twist on the bars.
• Chill the cream cheese frosting slightly before spreading to make it easier to work with.

Storage

Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months and frost after thawing. To serve, bring refrigerated bars to room temperature or warm briefly for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum for best results.

How can I tell when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 136 reviews

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make dessert. The combination of warm spices, shredded carrots, and optional nuts creates a perfect texture, while the creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting adds richness and balances the flavors beautifully. Ideal for gatherings, snacks, or as a sweet treat any time of day.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the vegetable oil and eggs together until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
4. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
5. Add Carrots and Nuts: Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans carefully until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare Frosting: While the bars are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost and Serve: Once the bars have fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Shredded carrots should be well-drained if they are particularly wet to avoid soggy bars.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, baked carrot bars, spiced carrot cake, nutty carrot cake