Delicious Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering a convenient and portable treat. Moist, flavorful, and topped with creamy frosting, they’re perfect for gatherings or an easy dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, flour, and sugar to form the batter.
2. Step 2: Pour the batter evenly into a greased baking pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Step 3: Let the baked carrot cake bars cool completely. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
4. Step 4: Slice into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
• Swap out granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a deeper molasses flavor.
• Use homemade cream cheese frosting for the freshest taste, or try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simpler option.

Storage

Store carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer them at room temperature, remove from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

You can mix the batter a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before pouring it into the pan to bake.

Delicious Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 748 reviews

Delicious and moist carrot cake bars featuring shredded carrots and a rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for a convenient twist on traditional carrot cake. These bars are easy to bake in a single pan and sliced for serving, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or an everyday dessert.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely shredded carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)

Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Incorporate Carrots and Dry Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the shredded carrots ensuring they’re evenly distributed without overmixing the batter.
5. Bake the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cake: Remove from the oven and let the carrot cake bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and fluffy.
8. Frost and Slice: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Once frosted, slice into squares or bars and serve.

Notes

• You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• For a healthier option, substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
• Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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