Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make twist on the classic carrot cake. These bars are soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, featuring grated carrots, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, all topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, birthday, or just a sweet treat, these bars offer all the comforting flavors of a traditional carrot cake but in a convenient, handheld form. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can be served for dessert or as a delicious snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot Cake Bars combine the best parts of carrot cake—rich, spiced flavor and decadent cream cheese frosting—but in a more convenient, less time-consuming form. The cake is soft and moist, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. With the addition of shredded carrots, walnuts (optional), and a creamy frosting, these bars are a flavorful treat that everyone will enjoy. They’re perfect for any occasion, and the best part? They’re super easy to make and require no special baking skills!

this Recipe

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal of the bars.
2. Make the Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add the Carrots and Walnuts: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots and walnuts (if using).
4. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
6. Frost the Bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. If desired, garnish with additional chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
7. Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including cooling)

Variations

• Add-ins: You can mix in raisins, shredded coconut, or other nuts, like pecans, for extra texture and flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or cloves for a more complex flavor profile.
• Healthier Option: Substitute half of the vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter version, or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Gluten-Free: You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover carrot cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bars individually or in slices with plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the cream cheese frosting and dust the bars with powdered sugar, or enjoy them plain. They’re delicious either way!

2. Can I use a different nut in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or leave them out entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, carrot cake bars are great for make-ahead treats. They stay fresh for several days and can be stored in an airtight container.

4. How do I make these bars more moist?

Ensure that you are using fresh, finely grated carrots, as larger pieces of carrot can make the bars a bit drier. Also, don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients.

5. Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar, though it will slightly change the texture and flavor of the bars. You may need to reduce the oil slightly as well.

6. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s covered in batter, bake for a few more minutes.

7. Can I make mini carrot cake bars?

Yes! You can use a mini muffin tin or a cupcake pan to make individual mini carrot cake bars. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

8. Can I make these bars vegan?

To make these carrot cake bars vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a non-dairy cream cheese for the frosting.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover carrot cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

10. Can I make a carrot cake instead of bars?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made into a traditional round cake. Simply divide the batter between two 8-inch cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Frost as directed.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Bars are a perfect way to enjoy the delicious flavors of carrot cake in a convenient, bite-sized form. With a soft, moist cake base, a tangy cream cheese frosting, and endless opportunities for customization, these bars are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a sweet treat, these carrot cake bars are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the comfort and warmth of carrot cake with less time and effort, and indulge in these irresistible bars that everyone will love!

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