Description
These moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creamy goodness! Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, every bite melts in your mouth. Perfect for spring gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Bars:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
Prepare the oven and pan
5 minutes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the dry ingredients
4 minutes
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Combine the wet ingredients
5 minutes
In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
Add carrots and pineapple
3 minutes
Fold in the grated carrots and drained pineapple (and nuts if using).
Combine and bake
35 minutes
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the frosting
5 minutes
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
Frost and serve
5 minutes
Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Cut into squares and enjoy your soft, spiced, and irresistible treat!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 9 bars
#CarrotCakeBars #SweetTreats #HomeBaking #DessertLovers
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bars every time. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs, cream cheese, and butter, for a smoother batter and frosting. When grating the carrots, use the fine side of your grater; this ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter for maximum moisture. Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple in a fine-mesh strainer, pressing out excess liquid with a spoon to prevent a soggy cake. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, use a folding motion with a spatula and mix only until the flour disappears. Overmixing leads to tough bars. For the frosting, sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps and achieve a perfectly silky texture.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delightful on their own but can be elevated for any occasion. For a brunch spread, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of toasted coconut or extra chopped nuts on top of the frosting adds beautiful texture and flavor. Pair with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea to complement the warm spices.
How-to Summary
In short: Whisk dry spices with flour. Mix sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Fold in finely grated carrots and well-drained pineapple. Combine wet and dry mixtures gently. Bake in a prepared 8×8 pan at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely. Beat softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and sifted powdered sugar for frosting. Spread on cooled bars and slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely. The unfrosted bars can be baked, cooled, wrapped tightly, and stored at room temperature for one day or frozen for up to 3 months. Frost the day you plan to serve for best texture.
Can I omit the pineapple? Yes, but replace it with ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce to maintain the necessary moisture and sweetness.
How do I store leftover frosted bars? Due to the cream cheese frosting, they must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots? It’s not recommended. Pre-shredded carrots are too thick and dry. Freshly grated carrots provide superior moisture and texture.
Is there a nut-free option? Simply omit the walnuts or pecans. The recipe is still delicious without them, or you can substitute with raisins or shredded coconut.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Pineapple: Excess liquid will make the bars soggy and dense.
- Overmixing the Batter: This develops gluten, resulting in a tough, chewy texture instead of a tender crumb.
- Frosting a Warm Cake: The frosting will melt and slide off. Patience is key—let the bars cool completely.
- Incorrect Carrot Grating: Large, coarse shreds won’t soften properly during baking and create an uneven texture.
- Overbaking: Check a few minutes before the timer. Overbaked bars lose their signature moistness.
Conclusion
These Carrot Cake Bars encapsulate the classic dessert’s warm, spiced flavor in a perfectly portable form. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a incredibly moist, flavorful treat topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Whether for a special gathering or a simple weeknight indulgence, this recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser that brings the comfort of homemade baking to any table.