These decadent carrot cake bars are a delightful treat. Soft and moist, packed with flavors from freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and topped with a smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these carrot cake bars are sure to impress!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, beat together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the carrot cake bars to cool completely in the pan.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
Slice into bars and serve.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Add-ins: You can customize the bars with different add-ins such as chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or even a little bit of pineapple for extra moisture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use a non-dairy cream cheese and butter substitute for the frosting.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: These carrot cake bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, refrigerate them, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing: If you want to freeze these bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy these bars warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to soften the frosting a bit.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! These carrot cake bars actually taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. I like to bake them a day in advance, frost them, and store them in the fridge until I’m ready to serve.
Can I substitute the walnuts and raisins?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or raisins, feel free to leave them out, or replace them with other mix-ins like chopped pecans, coconut flakes, or even chocolate chips.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
I check the bars by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. If there’s batter on the toothpick, I let them bake for a few more minutes.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting in advance?
Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the bars.
Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making my own?
While I love homemade cream cheese frosting for this recipe, you can definitely use store-bought frosting if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to choose a good-quality cream cheese frosting that complements the carrot cake.
Conclusion
These decadent carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect dessert for any occasion. The combination of moist, spiced carrot cake with the rich and creamy frosting is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try – I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!
Recipe:
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Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These decadent carrot cake bars are soft, moist, and packed with flavors from freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and topped with a smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the carrot cake bars to cool completely in the pan.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
These carrot cake bars are perfect for any occasion and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
To make them vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy substitutes for the frosting.
Customize with different add-ins like chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or pineapple for added flavor and moisture.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
