Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you adore classic carrot cake but crave something a bit more sharable and hassle-free, you are in for a treat with these Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine all the cozy spice, moist tenderness, and rich tang of your favorite traditional cake, transformed into handheld squares topped with a lusciously creamy layer. These bars are bursting with flavor from real carrots and pineapple, crowned with smooth cream cheese frosting, and they’re perfect for celebrations or whenever you need a comforting treat. Whether you’re baking for Easter, a potluck, or just a weekend sweet fix, this easy recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These bars come together with pantry staples and a few fresh additions, resulting in a surprisingly complex flavor and texture. Each ingredient, from warmly spiced flour blends to the smooth swirl of cream cheese, truly matters—a simple lineup that creates irresistible results!
- All-purpose flour: The heart of the bars, giving them their structure and tender crumb.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Essential lift for airy, cake-like bars.
- Salt: A pinch brightens all the sweet and spiced flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that signature cozy carrot cake warmth.
- Ground nutmeg & ground ginger: Bring a gentle kick and aromatic depth—don’t skip these!
- Eggs: For richness and to bind everything together.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Both sweeten and give that classic moist, caramel note.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars soft and extra moist.
- Unsweetened applesauce: A secret trick for lightness and subtle tang.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out and enhances the sweet spices.
- Finely grated carrots: The superstar ingredient—use fresh for vibrant color and perfect moisture.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Offers a juicy, tropical note that’s classic in carrot cake.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): For a nutty crunch; leave them out for a nut-free treat.
- Cream cheese (softened): For that dreamy, tangy frosting that everyone craves.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Whips into the frosting for body and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sifts into the frosting for just-right sweetness and a smooth finish.
- Vanilla extract (for the frosting): Adds richness and depth to the creamy topping.
- Pinch of salt (for the frosting): Balances sweetness and sharpens flavor.
How to Make Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment, or greasing it lightly. This ensures your Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting lift out smoothly without sticking, making for picture-perfect squares and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Those Wonderful Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Combined, these create an aromatic, spiced foundation that fills your kitchen with pure happiness!
Step 3: Whisk Up the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and slightly thickened. Next, add the oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. These bring moisture, sweetness, and a hint of tang, setting the stage for the vegetables and fruit to truly shine.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined—no overbeating, or you’ll lose that delicate crumb. Fold in the freshly grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts if you want a nutty crunch. You’ll see flecks of orange and gold running through the batter!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Resist the temptation to cut in early; letting them cool ensures tidy, moist bars ready for frosting.
Step 6: Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Once bars are completely cool, whip together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Beat in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for that silky, tangy, and not-too-sweet potion that makes every bite magic. Frost the bars evenly, swirling right to the edges.
Step 7: Chill and Slice
Pop the frosted pan in the fridge for 20 minutes, which sets the frosting beautifully and gives you perfect, sharp bar slices. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut clean squares and admire your Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting before serving!
How to Serve Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Amp up the visual wow factor by sprinkling the tops with a few extra chopped walnuts, a light dusting of cinnamon, or even a single candied carrot curl for each piece. These little details signal the homemade love baked into every bar.
Side Dishes
Serve your Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting alongside a hot cup of coffee, spicy chai, or a glass of cold milk. For celebrations, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or some fresh berries on the side is never a bad idea!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack bars in a pretty pyramid on a tiered tray for parties, or arrange them in cupcake liners for ready-to-grab individual treats. For potlucks, slice into bite-sized rectangles and skewer with colorful toothpicks—irresistible finger food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting covered tightly in the refrigerator; they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to five days. In fact, the flavors melt together and deepen, making them even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
Both unfrosted and frosted bars freeze beautifully. Place cooled (and frosted, if desired) bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for a month—simply thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy!
Reheating
While these bars taste fantastic cold, you can bring them to room temperature or microwave an individual square for just 10–15 seconds to gently soften the crumb and bring out those inviting spices before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the walnuts, and your bars will still be just as moist, flavorful, and safe for anyone with nut allergies. The texture remains indulgent without them.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots from the store?
It’s best to grate your own carrots finely. Pre-shredded ones tend to be thicker and drier, while fresh grated carrots melt into the batter, giving you that scrumptious texture and moisture these bars are famous for.
How do I know when the bars are baked through?
Keep an eye on them at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re done. Overbaking can dry out your bars, so check early and often!
What’s the best way to frost the bars evenly?
Pour all the frosting onto the center of the cooled bars, then use an offset spatula to swirl it gently to the edges. If the frosting feels too soft, chill it briefly before spreading for tidier results.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You can! Simply double the quantities and bake in two 9×13-inch pans or one large sheet pan, adjusting the baking time as needed. These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a huge hit at parties and always disappear fast.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating with friends or simply craving a slice of comfort, Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are guaranteed to delight. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear before you can sneak a second helping—these bars are just that good!
Print
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Carrot Cake Bars with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. These bars are moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in oil, applesauce, and vanilla.
- Blend Batter: Stir in dry ingredients, then fold in carrots, pineapple, and walnuts (if using). Pour into the pan.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beat until creamy.
- Frost Bars: Spread frosting over cooled bars. Chill before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts.
- Bars taste better the next day.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
