These Carrot Cake Bars Are the Ultimate Spring Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect treat to usher in the spring season. With their moist, spiced cake base, filled with freshly grated carrots and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are a crowd-pleaser at any occasion. They have all the comforting flavors of traditional carrot cake, but in a more convenient, bar-style form. Whether served at a spring gathering or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these carrot cake bars are bound to become a go-to dessert.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Grated carrots
• Walnuts (optional)
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the grated carrots and, if desired, fold in the walnuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
10. For the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
11. Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 16-20 bars.

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1.5-2 hours

Variations

• Add raisins or shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Use a spiced cream cheese frosting by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting.
• For a healthier option, try replacing the sugar with maple syrup or honey and use whole wheat flour.
• Make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make these carrot cake bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, you can use a simple buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese frosting if you prefer.

Are these bars gluten-free?
These bars are not gluten-free by default, but you can easily make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I make these bars without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply omit the walnuts or any other nuts of your choice.

How do I make sure the bars are moist?
Don’t overbake the bars. Check them a few minutes before the end of the baking time with a toothpick to ensure they are baked through but still moist.

Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Bars are an irresistible treat for the spring season. With their rich, spiced flavor and creamy frosting, they offer all the best parts of carrot cake in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars will add a sweet and festive touch to any springtime gathering.

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