Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in these rich and moist carrot cake bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert or an afternoon treat, these bars combine the warmth of spices with the sweetness of carrots, making them a delightful addition to any gathering.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 cup grated carrots
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir in the grated carrots.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
6. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the cooled bars and slice into squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 9 bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Raisins: Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins for added sweetness and texture.
• Spices: Experiment with additional spices such as ginger for a more robust flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, enjoy them chilled or at room temperature. The bars can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to frost them after thawing.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser.
2. Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?
   Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or a whipped coconut cream for frosting.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until serving.
4. How do I know when the bars are done?
   They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
   Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup if desired, but this may affect the texture.
6. What if I don’t have nutmeg?
   If you don’t have nutmeg, you can omit it or use an equal amount of cinnamon instead.
7. Can I use pre-grated carrots?
   Yes, store-bought pre-grated carrots work well, but freshly grated may provide better texture.
8. What can I serve with these bars?
   These bars pair well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.
10. How can I make the frosting extra creamy?
    Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before beating for a smooth and creamy texture.

Conclusion

These decadent carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting are sure to become a favorite. They combine the wholesome goodness of carrots with the indulgent flavor of cream cheese, making for a satisfying treat that everyone will love. Enjoy them at home or share them with friends!

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