Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine moist, spiced carrot cake flavors with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert, these bars are easy to bake in a single pan and feature warm spices, tender walnuts, and a luscious cream cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Carrots: Fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture carefully until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until thoroughly mixed.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Bake the Cake Bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure carrots are finely grated for even texture and moisture distribution.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts entirely.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with mild-flavored canola oil if preferred.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, spiced carrot cake, walnut carrot bars
