These Creamy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a wonderful twist on classic carrot cake. Infused with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, these bars are easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for any gathering. Carrot Cake Bars offer a compact, bite-sized version of a traditional carrot cake and are perfect for sharing or serving at potlucks. With a moist, spiced carrot base and a decadent frosting, this dessert is sure to be a favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for thinning)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well-combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

1. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
2. Fold in Carrots and Extras: Gently fold in the grated carrots, along with optional nuts and raisins if desired.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

1. Pour the Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add Vanilla and Sugar: Add vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
3. Thin if Needed: Add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk if the frosting needs thinning to a spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

1. Spread Frosting: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Cut into squares, garnish with extra nuts if desired, and serve!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 16 bars)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 24g
• Sodium: 160mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on portion size and optional ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these bars without nuts or raisins?

• Yes! The nuts and raisins are optional, so feel free to omit them if you prefer.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

• Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

3. How long do these carrot cake bars stay fresh?

• They stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container.

4. Can I add other spices to the batter?

• Absolutely! Adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice can give the bars a bit more warmth and complexity.

5. What’s the best way to grate the carrots?

• Use a fine grater to get a smooth texture, allowing the carrots to blend seamlessly into the bars for the best results.

Tips for Making the Perfect Carrot Cake Bars

1. Use Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide the best moisture and flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the bars tough. Stir until ingredients are just combined.
3. Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add cream or milk sparingly to ensure the frosting is spreadable but not runny.
4. Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm bars can cause the cream cheese frosting to melt.
5. Make in Advance: The flavors in carrot cake bars tend to meld and improve after a day, making them even more delicious.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze the bars. Wrap each frosted bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
3. Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary.

Conclusion

These Creamy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting bring the beloved flavors of carrot cake into a compact and easy-to-serve format. The combination of spices and sweet, finely grated carrots makes these bars a comforting, cozy dessert for any occasion. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy layer, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the carrot base. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible and yields a delectable treat that everyone will love.