Looking for a dessert that’s both rich and satisfying? These carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting offer the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and creamy flavors. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from a simple family dessert to a show-stopping potluck treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars deliver a comforting, homemade taste.
- Perfect Texture: Moist, tender, and slightly dense with the perfect crumb.
- Creamy Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the spiced carrot base.
- Easy to Make: No layering or complicated steps—just mix, bake, and frost!
- Versatile: Ideal for holidays, brunch, or a weekday dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil
- Freshly grated carrots
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the grated carrots.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- To prepare the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars. Slice into squares or rectangles to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars (depending on size)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Add Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Raisins or Pineapple: Mix in raisins or crushed pineapple for added sweetness and moisture.
- Spice It Up: Add ground ginger or cloves for a more intense spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Lighter Frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
- Reheating: Serve chilled or let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
FAQs
How do I ensure my bars are moist?
Grating the carrots finely and not overmixing the batter helps maintain moisture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Frost just before serving.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Freshly grated carrots are recommended for the best texture and moisture.
How do I know when the bars are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready.
What type of cream cheese is best for frosting?
Full-fat cream cheese works best for a creamy and rich frosting.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives, and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.
Why is my frosting too runny?
Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted. Add more powdered sugar if needed.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, but adjust the baking time if using a smaller or larger pan.
What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
Melted coconut oil or applesauce can work as substitutes.
Do I have to refrigerate the bars?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, these bars should be stored in the fridge.
Conclusion
These decadent carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat for any occasion. With their perfect blend of spices, moist texture, and creamy frosting, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the delicious variations, these bars are guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
PrintDecadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Here’s a delightful recipe for Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist and flavorful bars are packed with grated carrots and warm spices, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings. 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Carrots and Pineapple:
- Gently fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).
- Bake the Bars:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Frost the Bars:
- Spread the frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars.
- Cut into squares to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the grated carrots are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- For extra flavor, consider adding ½ cup of raisins or shredded coconut.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.