Irresistible Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s nothing quite like the warm, spicy aroma of carrot cake bars wafting through your kitchen. Imagine biting into a soft, moist bar that’s sweetened just right, mingling with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang, making each bite feel like a soft hug for your taste buds. These bars aren’t just dessert; they are a celebration of flavors that will have you dreaming about them long after the last crumb is gone.

I remember the first time I made these carrot cake bars for a family get-together. My cousin, who claims to be the world’s pickiest eater, devoured three pieces in record time. That moment solidified my love for these treats—they’re not just delicious; they’re a crowd-pleaser at every occasion from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. Prepare yourself for an incredible flavor experience that will make you feel like a baking rockstar!

I made these bars once for my best friend’s birthday, and she was so impressed that she asked for the recipe on the spot.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: For fluffy texture, use a good quality all-purpose flour—no one wants dense bars here.

• Granulated Sugar: This sweetener adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the spices.

• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar brings moisture and depth with its rich, caramel-like flavor.

• Cinnamon: A must-have spice! It gives those warm baking vibes we all crave.

• Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add crunch and enhance the overall texture—just chop them roughly.

• Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide natural sweetness and moisture—be sure to squeeze out excess liquid before adding.

• Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to the flavor.

• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an added layer of aromatic goodness.

• Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting! Choose full-fat cream cheese for ultimate creaminess.

• Powdered Sugar: This ingredient helps create that perfect sweet frosting without any graininess.

• Butter: Softened butter is key for both the batter and frosting—don’t skip this step!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. The smell should be heavenly already!

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat two eggs then stir in grated carrots and vanilla extract. Add melted butter to this mix. Your counter may start looking like an art project as you grate those carrots!

Blend it All Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender bars here!

Bake Away

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using your spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Frosting Time

While your carrot cake bars cool down completely on wire racks, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy—taste it; you’ll want to eat it straight from the bowl!

Frost Those Bars

Once cooled, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting generously over your carrot cake bars. Cut into squares or rectangles—whatever suits your fancy!

Now you’re ready to serve these delightful treats! Enjoy them warm or chilled; either way will leave you smiling.

These carrot cake bars are not just a treat; they are an event waiting to happen in your kitchen! So grab those ingredients and let’s make some magic happen today!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping your ingredients before mixing; this ensures a smooth baking experience. Mix the wet ingredients first, then add dry ones to avoid clumps.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans or add raisins for extra sweetness. A dash of nutmeg adds a unique twist that impresses.

Storing & Reheating

Store your carrot cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Baking these carrot cake bars reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet aromas, making every gathering unforgettable.

FAQ

Can I use pre-grated carrots for carrot cake bars?

Using freshly grated carrots enhances flavor and moisture compared to pre-grated options.

How long do carrot cake bars last?

These bars stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

Can I freeze carrot cake bars?

Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for later enjoyment.

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Carrot Cake Bars

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, spiced goodness of homemade carrot cake bars. These soft and moist bars are perfectly sweetened and infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting that adds a delightful tang. Ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations, these bars promise to impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (light)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated carrots (freshly grated)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the grated carrots and vanilla extract. Stir in the melted butter until combined.
4. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
7. For frosting: Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy.
8. Spread frosting over cooled bars, cut into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg