Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to a cozy afternoon tea. These bars boast a moist, tender crumb packed with the earthy sweetness of carrots, complemented by a rich, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. With just the right amount of cinnamon for warmth, they make any occasion feel special. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them a fantastic option for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices alike.

I still remember the first time I tasted a slice of carrot cake—it was at my grandmother’s kitchen table, and the aroma of freshly baked goods enveloped us. She would always make these fabulous bars for family gatherings, and they never failed to impress. This recipe is inspired by her traditional approach, infused with a few personal touches. So, whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet craving or impress guests at your next gathering, these carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting are a must-try. Your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce (or oil), 2 cups granulated sugar, and 3 large eggs. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Sift in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix.
4. Incorporate carrots and mix-ins: Fold in 2 cups finely shredded carrots, 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, and 1 cup chopped nuts (if using) gently until evenly distributed.
5. Fold in the pineapple: Add 1 cup of crushed pineapple (un-drained) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until combined. The batter will be thick and chunky.
6. Pour into the pan: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan with a spatula. This helps to ensure even baking.
7. Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden and the tops will spring back when gently pressed.
8. Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Frost the bars: While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup softened salted butter, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until creamy. Gradually add in 1 pound of powdered sugar and mix until smooth and fluffy.
10. Apply frosting: Once the carrot cake bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle additional chopped nuts or coconut on top for garnish.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your carrot cake bars fresh, store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave each bar for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through, but note that the frosting may soften, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

These carrot cake bars, with their dreamy cream cheese frosting, lend themselves beautifully to customization. You might want to play around with spices or even throw in some candied ginger for a unique flair! So don’t be shy—get creative!

The beauty of carrot cake bars lies not only in their satisfying flavors but also in their ease of preparation. Serve them at your next gathering, or keep them all to yourself for a delightful afternoon treat. Just remember, it’s okay to share… sometimes! Enjoy every bite, knowing you’ve created something truly special.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in an equal measurement. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats as well if you’re adding any.

What if I don’t have pineapple?

You can replace the crushed pineapple with applesauce for extra moisture or even a mashed banana if you want to give a slightly different flavor to your bars.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, try reducing the amount of powdered sugar by a half cup. You can also add a bit of lemon juice to enhance the flavor without adding sweetness.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Check for done-ness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bars are done. Also, look for a golden edge on the top!

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• Carrot Cake Bars

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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Peter
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 36 servings 1x
• Category: Desserts & Appetizers
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, flavorful, and easy to make. With fresh carrots, coconut, and a creamy topping, they’re great for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce or oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups grated carrots (finely shredded)
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, we like to use pecans)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (not drained, use pineapple in juice, not syrup)
• ½ cup salted butter (softened)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pound powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the applesauce (or oil) and granulated sugar, mixing well.
3. Add the eggs and mix until smooth.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots, shredded coconut, nuts (if using), and vanilla extract.
7. Add the crushed pineapple and mix until evenly distributed.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth.
10. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares.

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Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with applesauce.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Feel free to mix in other add-ins like raisins or chocolate chips.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

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