Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These decadent carrot cake bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, combining moist, spiced cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, they are easy to make and sure to impress.

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil and eggs until fluffy. Gradually combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Step 4: Fold in the shredded carrots and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While the bars cool, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Frost the cooled bars with the cream cheese frosting and cut into squares before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, add a splash of pineapple juice or crushed pineapple to the batter.
• Replace nuts with raisins or dried cranberries for a different texture.
• Use light cream cheese or Greek yogurt in the frosting for a lighter version.
• If you prefer a spicier cake, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg.

Storage

Store carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars without frosting for up to 3 months, then thaw and frost before serving. Reheat chilled bars slightly at room temperature or in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, vegetable oil works best for moisture, but melted coconut oil or canola oil are good substitutes and add subtle flavor differences.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into 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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★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat combining moist, spiced carrot cake with a rich and creamy frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet snack, they blend the warmth of cinnamon and ginger with crunchy nuts and luscious cream cheese topping.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 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)

Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the bars don’t stick while baking.
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 another bowl, beat the vegetable oil and eggs together until fluffy and smooth, creating a rich base.
4. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure moist bars.
5. Add Carrots and Nuts: Fold in the shredded carrots along with chopped walnuts or pecans if using, evenly distributing them through the batter.
6. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling doneness.
7. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the bars cool, blend the softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost and Serve: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
• Ensure the bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
• You can substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil for a slightly different flavor.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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