Carrot Cake Bars

These Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the richness of carrot cake with the chewy texture of a blondie. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are great for gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home. With their soft, moist interior and creamy frosting, they stand out as a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Bars
• For the Frosting
• How to Make Carrot Cake Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
• Step 5: Add Carrots and Pecans
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Cool
• Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 9: Frost Bars
• How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
• Topped with Fresh Fruit
• Garnished with Nuts
• Served Warm
• How to Perfect Carrot Cake Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Carrot Cake Bars
• Reheating Carrot Cake Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Carrot Cake Bars?
• How do I make my Carrot Cake Bars more moist?
• Can I substitute nuts in my Carrot Cake Bars?
• How long do Carrot Cake Bars last?
• Can I customize my Carrot Cake Bars?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and sweetness from the carrots creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have these bars ready in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the combination of butter and cream cheese frosting, these bars stay moist and tender.
• Nutty Crunch: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Carrot Cake Bars, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Electric mixer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the best flavor and texture.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down sides of bowls and ensures every bit is mixed properly.
• Electric mixer: Makes mixing ingredients faster and easier, especially when incorporating butter and sugar.

Ingredients

These carrot cake bars are packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and pecans and topped with cream cheese frosting. They are soft, moist, and chewy and taste like a cross between carrot cake and a buttery blondie.

For the Bars

• ¾ cup (172g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
• ½ cup (105g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1⅓ cup (170g) all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 scant teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (100g) shredded carrots, loosely measured, not packed (see note)
• ½ cup (65g) finely chopped toasted pecans

For the Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1½ cups (187g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• finely chopped toasted pecans (optional garnish)

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or whisk until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder until well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Carrots and Pecans

Fold in shredded carrots and chopped pecans gently using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with the spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Allow bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Stir in vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 9: Frost Bars

Once cooled completely, spread cream cheese frosting over the top of your carrot cake bars. Garnish with finely chopped toasted pecans if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Carrot Cake Bars!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot cake bars are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with various serving suggestions. Whether you want to impress guests or simply enjoy them at home, these ideas will elevate your dessert experience.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the carrot cake bars, creating a creamy contrast.
• Cream cheese ice cream complements the frosting and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a rich sweetness that enhances the flavors of the carrot cake bars.
• For added texture, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the caramel.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries provide a tart balance to the sweetness of the bars.
• Sliced bananas also work well, offering a soft and sweet complement.

Garnished with Nuts

• Chopped toasted pecans can be sprinkled on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Almonds or walnuts can also be used if you prefer different nuts.

Served Warm

• Heating the bars slightly in the microwave makes them even more indulgent, especially when paired with ice cream.
• Warm bars allow the frosting to melt slightly, creating a luscious topping.

How to Perfect Carrot Cake Bars

To ensure your carrot cake bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use fresh carrots: Freshly shredded carrots provide moisture and sweetness that pre-packaged options may lack.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement; too much flour can make the bars dry.
• Don’t overmix: Gently mix the batter until just combined to maintain tenderness in your carrot cake bars.
• Check doneness early: Start checking your bars at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking; they should spring back when touched.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the bars to cool fully helps prevent the frosting from melting off.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon and ginger according to your taste preferences for unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot cake bars can be paired with various side dishes for an enjoyable dessert spread. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the carrot cake bars.
2. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream is a classic accompaniment that enhances each bite.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy ones like Brie or goat cheese, offers a savory contrast.
4. Coffee or Tea: Pairing your dessert with hot beverages like coffee or tea complements the warm spices perfectly.
5. Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce introduces richness that pairs well with cinnamon flavors.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruit creates a delightful combination that works well alongside sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making carrot cake bars can be easy, but some common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.

• Using packed carrots: Always measure shredded carrots loosely. Packing them can add too much moisture and affect the texture.
• Skipping the spices: Don’t underestimate the importance of spices. A good blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg enhances flavor.
• Not letting butter cool: Ensure your melted butter is slightly cooled before mixing. Hot butter can cook the eggs and change the bars’ consistency.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the timer. Overbaking can dry out your carrot cake bars, making them less chewy.
• Ignoring cream cheese temperature: Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth frosting. Cold cream cheese will create lumps.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• You can also cover them tightly with plastic wrap.

Freezing Carrot Cake Bars

• Wrap each bar in plastic wrap then foil for optimal freshness.
• Carrot cake bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for reference.

Reheating Carrot Cake Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, and cover it to retain moisture while warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Carrot Cake Bars?

Carrot cake bars are a delicious dessert that combines shredded carrots with warm spices and nuts, topped with creamy frosting.

How do I make my Carrot Cake Bars more moist?

Ensure you use fresh carrots and avoid overbaking to maintain moisture in your carrot cake bars.

Can I substitute nuts in my Carrot Cake Bars?

Yes! You can replace pecans with walnuts or omit them entirely if you prefer nut-free options.

How long do Carrot Cake Bars last?

When stored properly in the fridge, carrot cake bars last about 5 days. In the freezer, they can last up to 3 months.

Can I customize my Carrot Cake Bars?

Absolutely! You can add raisins, coconut, or even pineapple for different flavors in your carrot cake bars.

Final Thoughts

These carrot cake bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Their soft, chewy texture combined with rich cream cheese frosting makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruits. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!