Carrot Cake Bars

The moment you take that first bite of Carrot Cake Bars, you’ll understand why this is one of my favorite desserts. I can still recall the first time I made these bars; it was during a family gathering, and everyone was buzzing with excitement. The sweet aroma of freshly baked carrots and warm spices filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in. As the bars baked, I couldn’t help but daydream about the luscious layers of cream cheese frosting waiting to be spread on top. There’s something exceptionally comforting about baking, especially when it results in a treat as delightful as this. These bars have a perfect balance of moistness and sweetness, making them the ideal dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars

When it comes to the ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars, each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect blend of flavor and texture. The key players—grated carrots, sugar, and spices—work together to create a delightful treat. The blend of sweet and spiced flavors, combined with the creamy topping, makes these bars irresistible.

• 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce or oil, this is what my Nana used
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (not drained—use the pineapple in juice, not syrup)
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 lb powdered sugar

How to Prepare Carrot Cake Bars

Preparing Carrot Cake Bars is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious treat that everyone will love. Here’s how to create your own batch of these delightful bars.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This step is crucial as it ensures even baking and helps to achieve that perfect golden brown top.
2. In a large bowl, combine your applesauce (or oil) and sugar together. Mix them well until fully incorporated. This will add moisture and sweetness to your bars.
3. Next, crack in the eggs one at a time. Be sure to blend them thoroughly with the mixture, resulting in a smooth batter.
4. In another bowl, sift together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to aerate the flour, ensuring a lighter texture.
5. Slowly add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. You want to combine them without overmixing to maintain that tender crumb.
6. Gently fold in the grated carrots, shredded coconut, and optional chopped nuts. This adds texture and flavor to the bars.
7. Lastly, stir in the crushed pineapple and vanilla. This will add an additional layer of sweetness and moisture to your bars. Make sure everything is well combined.
8. Pour the batter into a lightly greased or parchment-lined 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. Ensure it’s spread evenly for consistent baking.
9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watch for that gorgeous golden color!
10. Once done, let it cool completely in the pan. This is key for the bars to set properly.
11. While cooling, beat the butter and cream cheese in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually mix in the vanilla and powdered sugar. This will create a smooth and creamy frosting.
12. Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting generously on top. Cut them into squares and serve.
13. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe Tips about Carrot Cake Bars

Creating the perfect Carrot Cake Bars is all about the details. Here are some handy tips to make your baking experience seamless and enjoyable.

• Storage: Store leftover Carrot Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: These bars pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon snack.
• Cutting: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, then dry it before slicing. This avoids the frosting sticking to the knife.
• Variations: Feel free to add in other mix-ins like dried fruits or spices to customize your Carrot Cake Bars.

What to Serve Alongside Carrot Cake Bars

When serving Carrot Cake Bars, there are numerous delightful options to consider. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or sliced oranges to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• Coffee or Tea: Pair these bars with a warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea for a cozy dessert experience.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side can take these bars to a new level of indulgence.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top can add a delightful creaminess that complements the flavors.
• Seasonal Flavors: For a festive touch, consider serving these bars during holidays with themed decorations or spices, like nutmeg or ginger.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Carrot Cake Bars recipe is truly special due to its delightful combination of flavors and textures. Each bite offers a moist, sweet experience that brings back fond memories of family gatherings. I encourage you to try making these bars at home; they are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy baking and sharing them with loved ones!

Carrot Cake Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Carrot Cake Bars are moist, sweet, and perfectly spiced. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars make a delightful dessert for any occasion. Try making them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 36 bars

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce or oil, this is what my Nana used
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts optional
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup crushed pineapple not drained! {use the pineapple in JUICE not syrup}
• ½ cup butter softened
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 lb powdered sugar

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This step is crucial as it ensures even baking and helps to achieve that perfect golden brown top.
• In a large bowl, combine your applesauce (or oil) and sugar together. Mix them well until fully incorporated. This will add moisture and sweetness to your bars.
• Next, crack in the eggs one at a time. Be sure to blend them thoroughly with the mixture, resulting in a smooth batter.
• In another bowl, sift together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to aerate the flour, ensuring a lighter texture.
• Slowly add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. You want to combine them without overmixing to maintain that tender crumb.
• Gently fold in the grated carrots, shredded coconut, and optional chopped nuts. This adds texture and flavor to the bars.
• Lastly, stir in the crushed pineapple and vanilla. This will add an additional layer of sweetness and moisture to your bars. Make sure everything is well combined.
• Pour the batter into a lightly greased or parchment-lined 10x15-inch jelly roll pan. Ensure it’s spread evenly for consistent baking.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watch for that gorgeous golden color!
• Once done, let it cool completely in the pan. This is key for the bars to set properly.
• While cooling, beat the butter and cream cheese in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually mix in the vanilla and powdered sugar. This will create a smooth and creamy frosting.
• Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting generously on top. Cut them into squares and serve.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Tip: If using different sizes of jelly roll pans, adjust the batter amount accordingly.
• Tip: If it looks like you have too much batter, save some for a few cupcakes!

Keyword Carrot Cake Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, easy dessert recipe, Moist Cake Bars