These Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering all the flavors of the beloved dessert in an easy-to-serve bar form. With warm spices, tender carrots, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion—from potlucks and parties to a simple afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Cream Cheese Frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
Step 5: Fold in Carrots and Walnuts
Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and set.
Step 7: Cool the Bars
Allow the carrot cake bars to cool completely in the baking dish before frosting. This helps the frosting spread smoothly and prevents it from melting.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the bars have cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut the bars into squares and serve.
Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional Homemade Recipe):
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy. Spread over the cooled bars.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted carrot cake bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then frost before serving.
Helpful Notes:
- Grating Carrots: Use the small holes on your box grater to finely grate the carrots. This ensures that the carrot flavor is well-distributed throughout the bars and gives the cake a nice texture.
- Mixing the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can result in tough bars.
- Walnut Option: Adding chopped walnuts is optional but adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the bars.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Ina Garten: “For extra flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter. It brings out their natural nuttiness and complements the spiced cake beautifully.”
- Martha Stewart: “To make your frosting extra smooth and creamy, ensure both the butter and cream cheese are fully softened before mixing.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious. - Do I have to use walnuts?
No, the walnuts are optional. You can leave them out or replace them with other nuts, such as pecans, or even dried fruits like raisins. - Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more warm spices like ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to enhance the flavor of the bars. - What’s the best way to frost the bars evenly?
Let the bars cool completely before frosting. Using an offset spatula makes it easier to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. - Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and frost them before serving for the best texture. - What if I don’t have cream cheese frosting?
If you don’t have cream cheese frosting, you can substitute with a simple buttercream or vanilla frosting. Alternatively, dust the top with powdered sugar for a lighter option.
These Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect combination of warm spices, sweet carrots, and rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or a simple indulgence at home, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this timeless dessert in every bite!
