Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Why You’ll Love Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe combines the best aspects of carrot cake and blondies, resulting in a dessert that’s both chewy and moist. The use of brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness, while the extra egg yolk contributes to the bars’ dense texture. The cream cheese frosting provides a tangy contrast, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake Bars:
1 cup melted butter
1¾ cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
2 cups grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ to 2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar.

3. Add the vanilla extract, eggs, egg yolk, and grated carrots to the mixture, stirring until well combined.

4. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt until just incorporated.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

6. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top looks set and the edges are just starting to pull away from the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

8. For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

9. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness.

10. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.

11. If desired, sprinkle with chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 18 bars
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 28–32 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add-ins: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or raisins into the batter for added texture and flavor.

• Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg or ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.

• Frosting: For a lighter frosting, use a mixture of cream cheese and mascarpone cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

• Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, heat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?

Ensure that you use freshly grated carrots, as pre-shredded carrots can be drier. Also, avoid overbaking the bars; they should be moist and slightly dense.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with white granulated sugar, but the bars may be slightly less moist and lack the caramel-like flavor that brown sugar provides.

Is it necessary to use both an egg and an egg yolk?

Yes, the combination of whole eggs and an extra yolk contributes to the bars’ chewy texture and richness.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to your taste. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Can I add pineapple to the bars?

While traditional carrot cake often includes pineapple, this recipe does not. Adding pineapple may alter the texture and moisture of the bars.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top looks set, the edges are starting to pull away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

How can I make the frosting thicker?

To achieve a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I decorate the bars with fondant?

While you can use fondant for decoration, it’s not recommended as it may not adhere well to the cream cheese frosting. Instead, consider using piped cream cheese frosting or edible decorations.

Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a delightful and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of carrot cake. Their moist texture, rich flavor, and creamy frosting make them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to be a hit.