Let me let you in on a delightful little secret, Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are simply heavenly! These bars are bursting with flavor, warm spices, and an extra touch of sweetness from that luscious cream cheese frosting. Trust me, every bite is like a hug from your grandma! Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a potluck surprise, these bars will leave everyone begging for more. Get ready to bake up something spectacular!
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Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Oh, where do I even start? First things first, these carrot cake bars are super easy to make! You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen—just some good vibes and a willingness to have fun! Plus, they’re moist, flavorful, and infused with warm spices that will wrap you in a cozy blanket of deliciousness. The cream cheese frosting takes it to a whole other level. Did I mention you can add nuts or raisins for that extra crunch or chew? Seriously, what’s not to love about these scrumptious treats?
How to make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Are you ready to dive into this delightful baking adventure? Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and well blended.
- Gradually mix in the grated carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped nuts and raisins, if desired!
- Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- While they cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting!
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until perfectly fluffy.
- Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly on top.
- Cut into squares and get ready to enjoy!
What to Serve With Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These carrot cake bars are a fabulous standalone treat, but they shine even brighter with a cup of coffee or tea! Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. You could even serve them at a brunch alongside fresh fruit or a refreshing fruit salad. So many delicious possibilities!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips of Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully! Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil before popping them in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge again, let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Use freshly grated carrots for that sweet, earthy flavor!
- Don’t skip the spices—they’re key to that heavenly aroma and flavor!
- For extra moisture, you can add a bit of crushed pineapple (drained, of course!).
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a super creamy frosting.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to mix it up! You can use coconut flour for a gluten-free option or swap the nuts for sunflower seeds if you’re nut-free. Want a little zing? Try adding a splash of orange juice to the frosting. The options are endless, so get creative!
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them properly in the fridge, and they’ll taste divine!
2. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg).
3. Are there any good dairy-free alternatives?
Yes! You can use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based butter for the frosting. The results will still be creamy and delicious!
Now go grab those ingredients and let’s bake these scrumptious carrot cake bars together! Can’t wait to hear how they turn out!
Print
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist carrot cake bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and well blended.
- Gradually mix in the grated carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped nuts and raisins, if desired.
- Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- While they cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until perfectly fluffy.
- Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly on top.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Use freshly grated carrots for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg