Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful and moist treat that combines the rich flavors of spices, carrots, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or simply a delicious snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. With a prep time of 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 45-50 minutes, you can have these scrumptious bars ready in no time. This recipe makes 16 bars, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying over several days.

Ingredients to Prepare

To create these delectable carrot cake bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (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

This recipe yields 16 servings, making it perfect for a small crowd or for having plenty of leftovers.

How to Make

Preheat the Oven:

1. Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy removal.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

1. Beat Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the Wet Ingredients:

1. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
2. Mix in Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Combine and Fold:

1. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
2. Fold in Carrots and Pineapple: Gently fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Bake the Bars:

1. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined and smooth.
3. Mix in Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Frost the Bars:

1. Frosting Application: Once the carrot cake bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Cut and Serve: Cut into squares and serve.

Helpful Tips:

• Grate Fresh Carrots: For the best texture and flavor, grate fresh carrots rather than using pre-shredded ones. Freshly grated carrots are more moist and flavorful.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter and frosting.
• Even Layer: Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the baking pan to ensure uniform baking.

Cooking Tips:

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the bars are done. Insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.

Serving Suggestions:

These carrot cake bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 210mg

Storage and Leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the bars (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour will give the bars a denser texture and a slightly nuttier flavor.

Can I add other spices to the carrot cake bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can use a different type of frosting if you prefer. Buttercream, whipped cream, or even a simple glaze can work well with these carrot cake bars.

What can I use instead of crushed pineapple?

If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can use applesauce or grated apple as a substitute. These will add moisture and a slight sweetness to the bars.

How do I prevent the bars from becoming too dry?

To prevent the bars from becoming too dry, make sure not to overbake them. Check for doneness around the 25-minute mark and keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

Can I add raisins or other dried fruits to the batter?

Yes, you can add raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped dates to the batter for added texture and sweetness. Fold them in along with the grated carrots and crushed pineapple.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful and moist treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. With its rich blend of spices, sweet carrots, and creamy frosting, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Follow the tips and suggestions above to ensure perfect results every time. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a party, or simply enjoying it as a snack, these carrot cake bars are bound to become a favorite.

Enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and share this delightful dessert with your loved ones. Happy baking!

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