If you’re looking for a dessert that brings all the warmth and comfort of a classic carrot cake but in a quick, convenient form, you’re going to adore this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars are moist, spiced just right, and topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the tender crumb. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a cozy family gathering, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these carrot cake bars are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays an essential role in creating that irresistible texture and flavor. From the fragrant spices to the creamy frosting, each item is simple yet crucial to achieving a perfectly balanced bar every time.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base for the batter, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): Adds warm spice that is signature to carrot cakes.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): A leavening agent that ensures your bars rise just right.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the bars achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors.
- Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Brings a subtle zestiness that complements the cinnamon.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds a warm, nutty flavor that deepens the spice profile.
- Butter, softened (1/2 cup): Gives richness and moistness to the cake.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the bars evenly.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Large eggs (3): Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavors with a sweet aroma.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): The star ingredient, lending moisture, texture, and natural sweetness.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): For the luscious, tangy frosting that makes these bars irresistible.
- Butter, softened (4 tbsp): Creams with the cheese to create a smooth frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly so your carrot cake bars won’t stick. This prep step is simple but essential for an easy removal and clean edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients infuses the bars with warm flavors and ensures even rising.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with the sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is what gives your cake that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in the Carrots
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to create a uniform batter without overmixing. The secret to tender bars lies in this careful folding. Once combined, fold in the shredded carrots that give the cake its signature moistness and sweetness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to frosting — this prevents your cream cheese topping from melting into a gooey mess.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until you reach a creamy consistency that’s perfect for spreading.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled carrot cake bars. Once frosted, slice into 12 to 16 bars depending on your preferred size, then invite everyone to dig in and savor every bite.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your carrot cake bars with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a few toasted coconut flakes. These little touches add texture and make the presentation inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve your carrot cake bars alongside a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk for a delightful pairing. They also shine as an after-dinner dessert with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to really impress your guests? Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board or tiered dessert tray. Add edible flowers or carrot greens as decoration to highlight the main ingredient. For parties, serving them with mini forks or toothpicks makes for easy, elegant finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness well beyond the initial baking day.
Freezing
These carrot cake bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their perfect texture.
Reheating
While best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can gently warm a bar for about 10 seconds in the microwave if desired. This makes the cream cheese frosting wonderfully soft, but be careful not to overheat and melt the frosting completely.
FAQs
Can I use shredded zucchini instead of carrots in this recipe?
While shredded zucchini can add moisture, it won’t provide the same sweetness or signature flavor as carrots. If you decide to substitute, reduce the sugar slightly and consider adding extra spices to balance the taste.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the carrot cake bars?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers. The cool temperature prevents spoilage and keeps the frosting fresh and stable.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the frosting for a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts or raisins enhances texture and provides a delightful contrast to the soft cake. Fold them in along with the shredded carrots for best results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes it an instant classic. Its perfect balance of spices, moist carrots, and creamy frosting is an unbeatable combination that’s easy to bake but impossible to resist. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and make a batch today — your friends, family, and especially you will be so glad you did!
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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Packed with warm spices and shredded carrots, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine & Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the shredded carrots to incorporate them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour and spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Frost & Serve: Once the carrot cake bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into bars and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure the carrot cake bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar by half.
- Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
