Carrot cake lovers, rejoice! These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect blend of moist, spiced carrot cake and rich, velvety frosting. Packed with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and optional walnuts, these bars are an exceptional treat for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.
Ingredients:
Carrot Cake Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Set aside to blend the spices evenly throughout the cake.
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the texture of the bars.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract for a touch of classic flavor.
Combine and Fold:
Gradually mix the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts (if using) to add texture and flavor.
Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is well combined and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Frost the Bars:
Once the carrot cake bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve for a delightful dessert.
Serving Tips:
Serving Temperature: Carrot cake bars are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’ve just taken them out of the fridge, let them sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance the flavors.
Portion Control: For even servings, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into uniform squares. This ensures that everyone gets a piece of the delicious frosting and moist cake.
Garnishing: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each bar with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of additional chopped walnuts before serving.
Accompaniment: Pair the bars with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They also complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to be kept cold to maintain its texture and flavor. Properly stored, the bars will last up to 5-7 days.
Freezing: If you want to make these bars ahead of time, you can freeze them. Place the bars in a single layer in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Layering: If you’re freezing multiple layers of bars, place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent the bars from becoming soggy, ensure they are fully cooled before storing. The frosting can also be slightly chilled before covering to prevent it from sticking to the lid of the container.
Related Recipes:
- Carrot Cake Bars
- Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookies
FAQs:
Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting as a convenient alternative. Simply spread it over the cooled carrot cake bars as you would with homemade frosting. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the homemade version.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free carrot cake bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the baking powder and baking soda, are also gluten-free.
How can I make these bars nut-free?
If you need to make these bars nut-free, simply omit the chopped walnuts. The bars will still be delicious and moist without the nuts.
Can I add other mix-ins or variations to the recipe?
Yes, you can customize the bars to suit your preferences. Consider adding raisins, shredded coconut, or chopped pecans. For a tropical twist, try adding a handful of chopped dried mango or coconut flakes. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you add extra ingredients to maintain the proper texture.
Conclusion:
These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a moist, spiced treat topped with rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, they combine the classic flavors of carrot cake with a luxurious finish. Enjoy them fresh or stored for a delightful dessert anytime.
📖 Recipe:
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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—a perfect blend of moist, spiced carrot cake and creamy frosting. Packed with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and optional walnuts, these bars are a delectable treat for any event. The rich cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish to this classic dessert, making it an irresistible choice for both casual and special occasions.
Ingredients
Carrot Cake Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).
- Bake the Bars: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread cream cheese frosting over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).
- Bake the Bars: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread cream cheese frosting over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Ensure the bars are completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
For added texture and flavor, garnish with extra chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
