Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot Cake Bars are a great way to enjoy the classic carrot cake in a more portable form. These bars are incredibly moist, with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg blending perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots. Topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, these bars are the ideal balance of flavors and textures. They are also very simple to prepare, with no layers to assemble or complicated frosting techniques needed. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for busy days or events.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 4 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• ½ cup raisins (optional)

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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until smooth and slightly pale.

4. Gradually add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

5. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.

6. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts (if using), and raisins (if using).

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together 8 oz of cream cheese and ¼ cup unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 3 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth and creamy.

3. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 12-16 bars, depending on how large you cut them.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

• Cooling Time: 1 hour (to cool completely before frosting)

Variations

• Vegan Carrot Cake Bars: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free version. Also, ensure the frosting uses dairy-free butter and powdered sugar.

• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Bars: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

• Add-ins: Customize these bars by adding shredded coconut, pineapple, or chopped dark chocolate for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these carrot cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Freezing: If you'd like to freeze the bars, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

• Reheating: If you prefer your carrot cake bars warm, heat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. You can also warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts or pecans with other nuts like almonds or cashews for a different flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! You can skip the frosting or replace it with a simple glaze or whipped cream for a lighter alternative.

3. How can I make these carrot cake bars spicier?

If you like a spicier carrot cake, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or extra cinnamon to the batter.

4. Can I use pre-grated carrots for this recipe?

Yes, pre-grated carrots can be used, but freshly grated carrots usually give a better texture and flavor.

5. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the bars.

6. Are these carrot cake bars good for meal prep?

Definitely! These bars are great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or freezer to enjoy throughout the week.

7. Can I make these bars into cupcakes instead?

Yes, you can use the same batter to make cupcakes. Bake them at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Can I add pineapple to the batter?

Yes, you can add crushed pineapple to the batter for extra moisture and sweetness. Make sure to drain it well before adding to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

9. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready. If there’s batter on the toothpick, they need a few more minutes to bake.

10. Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger pan. Just keep in mind that baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.

Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect way to enjoy the delicious flavors of carrot cake without the hassle. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy frosting, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you're serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit!