Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Decadent Carrot Cake Bars. Packed with warm spices, grated carrots, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something sweet, these carrot cake bars will hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love These Bars
- Moist & Flavorful: The perfect combination of grated carrots and warm spices results in a moist and flavorful cake.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars come together quickly and effortlessly.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich and creamy frosting adds an indulgent touch that takes these bars to the next level.
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 5-6 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Carrot Cake Bars
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and eggs until well mixed. Stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple (if using), and nuts and raisins (if desired).
- Combine mixtures:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the bars:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese and butter:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
Step 4: Frost and Serve
- Frost the cooled bars:
- Once the carrot cake bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut and serve:
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy the rich, moist bars with a delicious cream cheese frosting!
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Bars:
- Fresh Grated Carrots: For the best flavor and texture, grate your own fresh carrots instead of using pre-packaged shredded carrots.
- Add More Flavor: Feel free to add other spices like ginger or allspice for an extra kick, or include shredded coconut for added texture.
- Store Properly: Keep the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze un-frosted bars for longer storage.
Perfect for Any Celebration
These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to impress at any gathering. Their delightful combination of spices, sweetness, and creaminess makes them a favorite dessert for both special occasions and everyday treats.
Have you tried these bars? Share your thoughts and any variations you love in the comments below!