Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Introduction
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate answer to your dessert cravings: perfectly spiced, moist cake bars topped with a rich, tangy frosting that’s simply irresistible. These bars deliver all the warm, comforting flavors of classic carrot cake—without the fuss of layering or intricate decorating. Perfect for spring gatherings, cozy afternoon treats, or any time you want to wow a crowd with minimal effort, this recipe guarantees big flavors with easy prep.
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Bars
These carrot cake bars shine thanks to their soft, tender crumb, bursts of sweet carrot, and a crown of velvety cream cheese frosting. Unlike traditional cakes, their bar form means they’re incredibly easy to bake, transport, and serve. The balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger harmonizes beautifully with the creamy, tangy frosting, ensuring every bite is full of character and comfort. This recipe is a show-stopping favorite for potlucks, brunch tables, and family celebrations—think carrot cake, made even more convenient.
Perfecting Your Carrot Prep
High-quality, uniform shredded carrots are key for the best texture. For quick and consistent results, use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to get even carrot shreds in a fraction of the time. Properly shredded carrots ensure they cook evenly into the batter, keeping your bars moist and tender throughout.
Baking and Cooling Your Bars
Line your baking pan with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy removal and fuss-free clean-up. This step also helps in achieving clean edges, making serving a breeze—no sticking or crumbling. After baking, cool the bars completely before frosting; this allows the cream cheese topping to set perfectly and prevents melting or sliding.
Making the Dreamiest Cream Cheese Frosting
An ultra-smooth, spreadable cream cheese frosting is non-negotiable. Begin by whipping your softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. For best results, use a sturdy mixer such as the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender (using the batter attachment) to ensure a luscious, lump-free texture. Your cream cheese frosting will glide across the cooled bars, delivering the perfect creamy finish.
Serving and Storing for Maximum Enjoyment
For effortless slicing and neat squares, use a sharp knife and wipe clean between cuts. Transport your carrot cake bars in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep them fresh and frosting intact—ideal for picnics and gatherings. Leftovers should be stored in the fridge, where these bars only improve in flavor and moisture after a day.
Nutritional Information and Yield
This recipe yields about 16 generous carrot cake bars. Each bar contains around 260–280 calories, depending on the thickness of frosting. With wholesome ingredients like carrots and a reasonable portion size, these bars deliver indulgence in a balanced way—a guilt-free delight for sharing!
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (Recap)
Full of cozy spices, sweet carrot, and crowned with dreamy cream cheese frosting, these carrot cake bars are sure to become your new go-to treat. Simple to make and impossible to resist, they offer a delicious twist on the classic, all in a convenient bar format.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
- Stir in the shredded carrots (prepared with your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper) and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix. Spread into prepared pan and smooth the surface.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together using the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender (or a hand mixer) until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over cooled bars. Chill 30 minutes for easier slicing, then lift bars out by the parchment and cut into squares using a sharp knife.
- Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) in the refrigerator.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling)
