Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – A Perfectly Moist and Flavorful Treat

Introduction

Carrot cake is a beloved classic, but when transformed into Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, it becomes an easy-to-make, perfectly portioned dessert. These bars are moist, tender, and filled with warm spices that complement the richness of the luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re preparing a dessert for a family gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this carrot cake bar recipe will be a guaranteed hit.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions, discuss ingredient choices, and share expert tips to ensure your bars come out soft, flavorful, and utterly delicious. Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Bars

✔ Easier than a layered cake – No complicated layers, just a simple one-pan dessert. ✔ Perfectly spiced – The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves enhances the carrot flavor. ✔ Rich and creamy frosting – The homemade cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tangy sweetness. ✔ Great for gatherings – A portable, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to serve. ✔ Can be made ahead – These bars store well, making them perfect for meal prep or special occasions.

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Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars

To make these incredibly moist carrot cake bars, you’ll need:

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

this PIN FOR LATER

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Then fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using).

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then mix until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars and smooth it out with a spatula. Slice into squares and enjoy!

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Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Bars

✔ Use freshly grated carrots – Pre-shredded store-bought carrots are too dry and won’t provide the same moisture. ✔ Don’t overmix the batter – This ensures a light and fluffy texture. ✔ Let the bars cool completely before frosting – Prevents the frosting from melting. ✔ Add extra mix-ins – Try coconut flakes or pineapple for an extra burst of flavor. ✔ Chill the bars before serving – Enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.

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Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve

• These Carrot Cake Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature.
• Garnish with chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon for extra flair.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the bars a day in advance and frost them before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the best results.

2. What can I use instead of applesauce?

You can replace applesauce with mashed banana or Greek yogurt for a similar texture.

3. How do I make these bars dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes for the frosting.

4. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

5. Why are my bars dense instead of fluffy?

Overmixing the batter or using too much liquid can result in denser bars. Mix until just combined for a light and airy texture.

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Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves rich, spiced flavors combined with a creamy, tangy frosting. They’re easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe guarantees moist, delicious, and perfectly spiced carrot cake bars every time.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy baking and happy indulging! 🍰🥕

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