Heavenly Carrot Cake Bars Recipe: Sweet Treats Made Simple

Sweet, moist carrot cake bars dance with warmth and nostalgia in this irresistible homemade treat.

Packed with delicate spices and rich cream cheese frosting, these bars capture the essence of comfort baking.

Carrots bring natural sweetness and moisture to every delectable bite.

Each bar promises a perfect balance of soft texture and deep, complex flavors.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave their magic through tender crumbs, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish that makes these bars impossible to resist.

Dive into this simple recipe and transform your kitchen into a haven of deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s Inside Carrot Cake Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and smooth texture for the cake bars.
• Baking Powder: Helps bars rise and creates light, airy consistency.
• Baking Soda: Neutralizes acidic ingredients and supports even browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Cinnamon: Adds classic warm, sweet undertone perfect for carrot cake.
• Nutmeg: Introduces subtle, fragrant depth to the dessert.
• Ginger: Brings gentle, zesty warmth and aromatic complexity.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides rich, smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Deliver sweetness and help create moist crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tender consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with smooth, comforting aroma.

• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and nutritional boost.
• Nuts, Raisins: Optional mix-ins for extra crunch and burst of flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, rich base for smooth topping.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps stabilize frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens cream cheese mixture.

Tools For Baking Carrot Cake Bars

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Perfect for creating evenly sized carrot cake bars.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Ensures easy removal of bars without sticking.
• Medium mixing bowls: One for dry ingredients, another for wet ingredients and frosting.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients smoothly and break up any lumps.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Makes beating eggs, sugars, and frosting a breeze.
• Grater: Ideal for shredding fresh carrots into fine, even pieces.
• Rubber spatula: Helps fold in carrots and scrape batter into pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting bars into neat squares.

How To Bake Carrot Cake Bars Soft And Spiced

• Oven Warmup

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab an 8×8 inch pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting later.

• Dry Magic

Grab a bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and those warm spices that make everything smell like home – cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

• Wet Ingredient Symphony

In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugars until they transform into a smooth, silky mixture. Pour in oil and vanilla, stirring until everything looks beautifully blended.

• Batter Fusion

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Gently stir in freshly grated carrots and optional nuts for extra crunch.

• Baking Moment

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let bars cool completely.

• Cream Cheese Cloud

Beat cream cheese and butter until ultra-smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until frosting looks dreamy and spreadable.

• Final Touch

Spread frosting over cooled bars. Slice into squares and enjoy your comforting creation. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days.

Tips To Add Extra Love To Carrot Cake Bars

• Baking Brilliance: Quick tips to elevate your carrot cake bars and make them absolutely irresistible!
• Moisture Magic: Add a splash of applesauce or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra tender, moist bars that stay soft for days.
• Nutty Nutrition Boost: Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutritional value. Toast them briefly before adding to enhance their rich, deep flavor.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients perfectly.
• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and substitute cream cheese frosting with a cashew-based cream cheese alternative for a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serving Carrot Cake Bars With Sweet Style

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these carrot cake bars with a fresh cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat that brightens up your breakfast routine.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Create an elegant dessert spread by arranging these bars alongside other bite-sized sweets like mini cheesecakes or fruit tarts for a stunning presentation.
• Picnic Party Star: Pack these portable bars in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or family picnics where everyone can enjoy a delicious homemade dessert that travels well.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve these bars on a beautiful platter during afternoon tea, complementing them with light sandwiches and scones for a classic and satisfying gathering.

How To Store Carrot Cake Bars Without Losing Moisture

• Quick Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the carrot cake bars in an airtight container to maintain optimal moisture and texture for 5-7 days.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These delicious treats will stay fresh for up to 3 months when frozen.
• Counter Storage Wisdom: Keep unfrosted bars at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the batter or frosting up to 2 days in advance and store separately in the refrigerator. This helps streamline your baking process and saves time during busy moments.

Moist Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Creamy carrot cake bars blend spices and sweetness in a delightful dessert from Southern United States. Rich cream cheese frosting completes this classic treat. Bakers will savor each moist, flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ¼ cup raisins (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for effortless removal.
2. Dry Ingredients: Meticulously sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a unified dry mixture.
3. Wet Mixture: Vigorously whisk eggs and sugars until the blend transforms into a light, airy emulsion, developing a pale, creamy consistency.
4. Liquid Integration: Seamlessly mix vegetable oil and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation.
5. Batter Formation: Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet components, using minimal strokes to maintain a tender texture, then gently fold in carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
6. Baking Process: Carefully pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly, then bake in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 25-30 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
7. Cooling Stage: Allow cake to cool completely in the pan, enabling the internal structure to set and stabilize.
8. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese and butter until silky smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract to develop a luxurious frosting.
9. Finishing Touch: Once cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the cake’s surface, creating elegant swirls and peaks, then slice into precise squares and serve.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Fold ingredients gently to maintain a tender, light texture and avoid developing tough, dense bars.
• Moisture Management: Squeeze excess liquid from grated carrots to prevent soggy bars and ensure optimal cake consistency.
• Temperature Precision: Let ingredients like eggs and cream cheese reach room temperature for smoother blending and better integration.
• Customization Flexibility: Swap walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds for nut-free options, or include dried cranberries for added tartness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg