Decadent Carrot Cake Bars Recipe – Moist, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with these Decadent Carrot Cake Bars! Packed with fresh carrots, warm spices, and a creamy frosting, these bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake. Perfect for spring gatherings, holiday desserts, or a sweet treat any time of year, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Prep & cook Time: 45 minutes | Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per bar
Ingredients
For the Bars:
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (55g) packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups (150g) grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
½ cup (80g) raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and lump-free.
Frost and Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Freshly grated carrots are recommended for the best texture and moisture, but pre-shredded carrots can be used in a pinch.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I freeze carrot cake bars?
Yes, freeze the bars (without frosting) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and add frosting before serving.
4. Can I omit the nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Customize the bars to your preference by leaving out the nuts or raisins or substituting with other add-ins like coconut or pineapple.
5. Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, you can use a simple vanilla glaze or even a whipped cream topping if preferred.
Tools You'll Need
9×13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper (optional)
Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater (for carrots)
Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and frosting.
Don’t overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
For extra flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the batter.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Allergy Information
Contains: Wheat, Dairy, Eggs, Nuts (optional)
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts or replace with seeds like sunflower seeds.
Conclusion
These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their moist, spiced cake and creamy frosting, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want a sweet treat, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results – they’re bound to be a hit! Happy baking!
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