Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars feature moist, spiced carrot cake baked to perfection and topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Carrot Cake Bars
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Carrots: Fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture until evenly distributed, giving the batter a vibrant texture and moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, baking powder, and baking soda, ensuring all spices and leavening agents are well mixed.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to maintain the cake’s tenderness. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts for added crunch.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy and smooth. Add vanilla extract, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice into squares and enjoy this decadent treat.
Notes
- Make sure the carrot cake bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Chopped walnuts are optional; you can omit or substitute with pecans or raisins.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a few chopped walnuts on top of the frosting before it sets.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can make the frosting less sweet by adjusting the powdered sugar amount to taste.
Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert bars, easy carrot cake, spiced carrot dessert
