If you love the cozy sweetness of classic carrot cake but want something a little easier to slice and share, you are absolutely going to adore this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars bring together all the warm spices, tender shredded carrots, and a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting in a perfectly portable form. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a comforting treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars are an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is. Every element plays a crucial role in bringing the bars’ signature moist texture, delightful spice, and creamy frosting to life.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your bars without being too dense.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with acids in the batter to create lightness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that’s classic in carrot desserts.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of earthiness to complement the cinnamon.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes that keep the bars moist.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create tenderness.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender without weighing them down.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth.
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots: The star of the show providing natural sweetness and texture.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the carrots.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Essential for the luscious frosting that makes these bars irresistible.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Gives the frosting a warm and inviting aroma.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan generously or line it with parchment paper so your bars come out cleanly and effortlessly. This step sets you up for a perfect bake without sticking, which is half the victory!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This harmonious blend ensures every bar is infused with delicate spice and just the right lift.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and beat the eggs with both brown and granulated sugars until smooth and creamy. Then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is well combined and silky. This mixture provides the moist base and sweet depth that make each bite delightful.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Fold your dry ingredients into the wet, being careful not to over-mix but ensuring the batter is smooth. Now stir in the grated carrots and, if you like a little crunch, the chopped walnuts. These elements bring texture and flavor that make these bars truly special.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before frosting to keep that cream cheese lovely and soft.
Step 6: Make and Apply the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until it’s smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until you have a fluffy, dreamy frosting. Spread it over the cooled carrot cake bars evenly, then pop them in the fridge to chill for about 10 minutes to set the frosting just right.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or even a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top can elevate these bars visually and give a hint of the warming flavors inside. Try tiny carrot-shaped fondant decorations for a fun, festive touch!
Side Dishes
Serve these carrot cake bars with a steaming cup of chai tea or a bold coffee to balance their sweetness perfectly. For a brunch or party spread, pair with fresh fruit slices or a light fruit salad for a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into small bite-sized squares and skewer them with decorative picks to make charming dessert bites for gatherings. You can also layer them in a trifle bowl with extra cream cheese frosting and toasted nuts for an inventive dessert twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe bars keep wonderfully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to develop even more, making them taste like they were freshly baked each time you dig in.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead for a special occasion, you can freeze them unfrosted in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely, then add the cream cheese frosting for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
Because of the frosting, these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated. However, if you prefer them warm, you can gently warm individual pieces for 10-15 seconds in the microwave, just be careful not to melt the frosting completely.
FAQs
Can I make the carrot cake bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the bars from crumbling.
Are the walnuts necessary?
Not at all. Walnuts add a lovely crunch and flavor depth, but if you have allergies or prefer to leave them out, these bars will still be moist and delicious without them.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
When kept refrigerated in an airtight container, they stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may start to diminish, so they’re best enjoyed sooner.
Can I use a different frosting?
Cream cheese frosting is classic and pairs best with carrot cake bars, but you could experiment with whipped cream frosting or even a light buttercream if you prefer something less tangy.
Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like flax eggs, plant-based cream cheese, and vegan butter, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan. It might take a few trials to get the perfect texture but it’s definitely possible!
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough for any occasion. It marries ease with incredible flavor and texture, creating a dessert that feels both special and comforting. So why wait? Head to your kitchen, gather those simple ingredients, and whip up a batch. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your go-to treat to share (or sneak) anytime the craving hits.
Print
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with tender grated carrots and optional crunchy walnuts. Baked in a single pan and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect treat for gatherings or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined for evenly distributed spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Batter: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently, then incorporate the grated carrots and optional chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost and Chill: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 10 minutes to set the frosting.
- Serve: Once chilled and the frosting is set, slice into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- Use fresh carrots and grate them finely for the best texture.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Chilling the bars after frosting firm up the cream cheese layer for neat slicing.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
