Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade carrot cake bars, perfect for any occasion. These moist, spiced bars are topped with a creamy frosting that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these carrot cake bars are sure to impress everyone. Follow this easy recipe to bring a taste of comfort to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- For frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12-16 bars, with a preparation time of 20 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bar) contains approximately 250 calories, 12g fat, 35g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 1g fiber.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.
- Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting over the top and cut into squares to serve.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option, and use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Applesauce can replace some oil for a lighter texture.
Serving and Pairings
These carrot cake bars pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not grating the carrots finely enough can lead to uneven texture.
- Overmixing the batter may result in tough bars.
- Skipping the cooling step before frosting can make the frosting melt.
- Baking at too high a temperature can cause the edges to burn.
- Using expired baking powder and soda can affect the rise.
Helpful Tips
- For added flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg.
- Use fresh, finely grated carrots for the best flavor and moisture.
- Let the bars cool completely for easier cutting.
- Experiment with adding crushed pineapple for extra moisture.
- Top with chopped pecans for added crunch.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrot cake bars a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and frost them just before serving for optimal texture.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe. Typically, one egg can be replaced with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts like pecans or fruits like crushed pineapple or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
What should I do if my bars are too dry?
If your bars turn out dry, you can drizzle them with a simple syrup or serve them with a scoop of ice cream to add moisture and flavor.
Conclusion
Carrot cake bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of carrots with warm spices. Perfect for any gathering or as a cozy snack at home, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Bake a batch today and enjoy the deliciousness!
Carrot Cake Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.
- Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting over the top and cut into squares to serve.
