ADVERTISEMENT
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Sweet Treat You Can’t Resist
Carrot cake has long been a beloved dessert, known for its moist texture, warm spices, and the perfect balance of sweetness and depth. If you love traditional carrot cake but are looking for a quicker, easier way to enjoy it, then Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are exactly what you need. These bars capture all the classic flavors of carrot cake in a simple, portable form that’s perfect for any occasion.
With a tender, spiced cake base packed with freshly grated carrots, and topped with a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting, these carrot cake bars are pure indulgence. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a potluck, or just treating yourself to a slice of something sweet, these bars are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Easier Than Traditional Carrot Cake: Instead of layering a cake, you simply bake the batter in a pan and slice it into bars, making it a simpler option without sacrificing flavor.
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of grated carrots, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of sweetness results in a moist, rich cake that’s impossible to resist.
- Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy, creamy frosting is the perfect complement to the sweet and spiced carrot cake bars, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Great for Any Occasion: From birthdays and holidays to casual get-togethers and afternoon snacks, these carrot cake bars are perfect for any celebration or just a simple treat at home.
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (depending on desired sweetness and consistency)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for adjusting consistency)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale. This should take about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense. Once combined, fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using). The batter should be thick and slightly pourable.
5. Bake the Carrot Cake Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bars.
Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the carrot cake bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
