Description
These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the classic flavors of carrot cake in a convenient bar form. Featuring warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, and topped with a rich, creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack. The bars are moist and tender with the familiar sweetness of carrots enhanced by the smooth cream cheese topping.
Ingredients
Bar Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded carrots (patted dry)
- 2 ¾ cups flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cardamom
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (1 block)
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Mix until the blend is smooth and uniform.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture, beating until it becomes light and fluffy in texture, which helps with the bars' rise and softness.
- Prepare and Add Carrots: Shred fresh carrots and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, then stir them evenly into the wet mixture ensuring consistent distribution throughout the batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in the flour, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the batter which can make bars tough.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour and press the batter evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure uniform thickness and even baking.
- Bake the Bars: Place in the oven and bake at 350°F for 32-38 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center which should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool fully in the pan to set properly before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is fluffy, which provides a smooth and creamy base.
- Add Frosting Ingredients: Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Whip until the frosting is smooth and spreadable, adjusting powdered sugar quantity as needed for desired thickness.
- Remove Bars from Pan: Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper for easier handling and frosting application.
- Frost the Bars: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the bars ensuring full coverage for every bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Lightly dust the frosted surface with cinnamon for added flavor and visual appeal. Cut into 12 even squares before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the shredded carrots are well-patted dry to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter which can affect texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour and dry ingredients are added to keep the bars tender.
- Cooling the bars completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
- Powdered sugar quantity for the frosting can be adjusted depending on desired sweetness and consistency.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- These bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American