If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings all the cozy flavors of classic carrot cake into a convenient bar form, then you’re going to love this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars combine moist, spiced carrot cake packed with a touch of crushed pineapple and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a luscious, creamy cream cheese frosting. They are perfect for sharing with family, bringing to potlucks, or simply enjoying as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in a simple list of wholesome ingredients that work together to create a tender crumb and burst of flavor. Each ingredient adds a special touch, whether it’s the warm spices that give character or the pineapple that lends moisture and sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bars, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bars rise for a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic elements to give lift and softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that’s essential to classic carrot cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of nutty spice to deepen the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a gentle zing that brightens the spice blend.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Richness for moistness and tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars with a clean, balanced sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slightly caramel depth.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet fragrance.
- 2 cups grated carrots: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and beautiful color.
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained: Adds juiciness and a tropical twist.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): For added crunch and nutty flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base of the frosting, creamy and tangy.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting rich and spreadable.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a lovely aroma and enhances the frosting’s flavor.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the bars lift out easily after baking. This step ensures even baking and an easy release, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Taking the time to mix your dry ingredients well is key for even spice distribution and a perfect rise throughout the bars.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, helping the cake bars to be tender and moist rather than dense.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
One at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract for that signature sweet aroma that’s so comforting and familiar.
Step 5: Combine and Fold
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — be gentle to keep your texture light. Then fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if you’re using them) to add that beautiful natural sweetness and delightful texture contrast.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour your batter into the prepped pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting, so the cream cheese topping stays smooth and doesn’t melt.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is soft, sweet, and perfectly spreadable. This frosting is what elevates these carrot cake bars into pure bliss.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Once frosted, cut into squares and serve to your eager friends and family — they won’t believe how easy it was to create such a crowd-pleasing dessert!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Add a touch of charm and texture by sprinkling some extra chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting. A few tiny carrot-shaped fondants or edible flowers can also make them look delightful for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to enhance those autumnal spice notes. For a refreshing balance, a crisp green salad or fresh fruit plate works beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the bars in a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper for a casual gathering, or place individual bars in colorful cupcake liners for a portable, party-ready snack. You can even cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on toothpicks for a fun dessert buffet display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover carrot cake bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cream cheese frosting keeps the bars moist and fresh, and chilling helps the flavors meld even more deliciously.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to two months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely in the fridge before frosting for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
These bars are typically best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, gently heat an individual bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid heating frosted bars to prevent the frosting from melting or separating.
FAQs
Can I make these carrot cake bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the bars’ texture.
Are the walnuts necessary in this recipe?
Not at all! Walnuts add a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor, but if you’re allergic or prefer nut-free treats, simply omit them without affecting the overall taste much.
Can I use canned carrots instead of fresh?
Fresh grated carrots work best for moisture and texture, but if you use canned carrots, drain them very well and pat dry to avoid excess wetness, which can affect baking.
How thick should I cut the carrot cake bars?
Cut the bars into squares about 2 by 2 inches for the perfect bite-sized balance of cake and frosting, but feel free to adjust the size depending on your serving needs.
Can I store these bars at room temperature?
Since they’re topped with cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep the bars refrigerated to maintain freshness and avoid spoilage, especially in warmer climates.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with wholesome ingredients, comforting spices, and that irresistible cream cheese frosting, this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a must-try. Perfect for fuss-free baking, crowd-pleasing gatherings, or a cozy treat at home, these bars offer everything you love about carrot cake in a wonderfully simple form. Give this recipe a go—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy carrot cake!
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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist carrot cake bars topped with a rich and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these bars combine grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and optional walnuts for added texture and flavor. An easy-to-make dessert that is great for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Set this mixture aside to combine the spices evenly with the flour.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is key to creating a tender crumb.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat the eggs in one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to retain a moist texture. Then fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts if using, to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and evenly combined.
- Frost and Serve: Once the carrot cake bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top evenly. Cut into squares and serve. These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
Notes
- Ensure the carrot cake bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Chopped walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit walnuts or substitute with seeds if desired.
- Store the bars covered in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
- You can add raisins or shredded coconut to the batter for additional texture and flavor.
