Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers all the deliciousness of traditional carrot cake in a more convenient bar form. The moist cake is made with applesauce, cinnamon, and grated carrots, topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients, and is perfect for any occasion. Plus, the recipe makes a large batch, so there's plenty to go around!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake:

• 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce or oil

• 2 cups sugar

• 3 eggs

• 2 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 cups grated carrots

• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 cup crushed pineapple (not drained, use pineapple in juice, not syrup)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 lb powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the applesauce (or oil), sugar, and eggs.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.

4. Stir in the grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts (if using), vanilla, and crushed pineapple.

5. Pour the batter into a lightly greased or parchment-lined 10x15-inch jelly roll pan.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let the bars cool completely.

8. For the frosting: beat the butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar, and continue to beat until smooth.

9. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 36 bars

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: You can include other add-ins like raisins, walnuts, or pecans to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

• Topping: For a festive touch, top the frosted bars with decorative sprinkles or miniature candy carrots, especially around Easter.

• Layered Cake: If you prefer, you can transform these bars into a layered cake by using a 9x13-inch pan instead of the jelly roll pan.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

How do I make sure my carrot cake bars are moist?

The key is using plenty of grated carrots and not draining the pineapple, which helps keep the bars moist.

Can I use oil instead of applesauce?

Yes, you can substitute applesauce with oil, as the recipe suggests. Both will create a moist, flavorful cake.

Can I make these bars without coconut?

Yes, you can omit the shredded coconut if you don’t like it or have an allergy. The bars will still be delicious!

How long do carrot cake bars last?

Carrot cake bars will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze carrot cake bars?

Yes, carrot cake bars freeze well. Just make sure they’re tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container before freezing.

Can I use a different frosting for these bars?

You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with other frostings like buttercream or whipped cream, but cream cheese frosting is the most traditional and pairs perfectly with the flavor of the bars.

Do I need to peel the carrots before grating them?

Yes, it’s important to peel the carrots before grating them to ensure a smooth, pleasant texture in the bars.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, you can halve the recipe and bake the bars in a smaller pan, adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?

To make these carrot cake bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I make these bars into cupcakes?

Yes, you can bake the batter into cupcakes. Adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

Carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting are an easy and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. With their moist texture and rich frosting, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you make them for a special event or just a treat for yourself, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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