Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of spices, sweet carrots, and a creamy frosting. These bars are easy to make and are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy afternoon snack.
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Why Make This Recipe
Making Carrot Cake Bars is a great choice because they are moist, flavorful, and loved by many. The use of fresh grated carrots and crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and a lovely texture. Plus, the cream cheese frosting on top takes these bars to another level of deliciousness. They are simple to prepare and can easily satisfy your sweet cravings!
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Follow these easy steps to whip up your batch of Carrot Cake Bars:
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground ginger
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Grated carrots
- 0.5 cup Crushed pineapple, drained
- 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars, cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars
Serve these delicious Carrot Cake Bars at room temperature. You can enjoy them as they are, or pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They make a wonderful dessert to share with friends and family!
How to Store Carrot Cake Bars
To keep your Carrot Cake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make Carrot Cake Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Grate the carrots finely for better texture in the bars.
- If you don’t like nuts, simply leave out the walnuts.
- For extra flavor, consider adding raisins or shredded coconut to the batter.
Variation
You can also add different spices, such as allspice or cloves, for a unique twist. For a healthier version, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
FAQs
1. Can I use ready-made frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can use store-bought frosting if you prefer a quicker option!
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Frost them just before serving.
3. What if I don’t have crushed pineapple?
If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can substitute it with applesauce for moisture and sweetness.
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is softened for easy mixing.
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Grated carrots Grate finely for better texture.
- 0.5 cup Crushed pineapple, drained Can substitute with applesauce.
- 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts Optional.
Frosting
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars, cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!
