There’s something magical about biting into a soft, chewy bar that bursts with flavor, and my Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are no exception! Imagine the rich, sweet taste of carrot cake, infused with warm spices and a heavenly cream cheese frosting – all packed into a delightful bar. Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday party, or just a cozy evening treat, these carrot cake bars are sure to steal the show and win hearts. What I adore about this recipe is how simple it is, yet how impressively delicious it turns out, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me; they’ll disappear faster than you can bake them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– **Quick and Easy**: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you’ll have delightful treats ready to enjoy in no time.
– **Decadent Flavor**: These old-fashioned carrot cake bars bring all the nostalgic flavors you love without the fuss of traditional cake.
– **Versatile**: Perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to potlucks or even as a sweet surprise for neighbors.
– **Leftover-Friendly**: Store them in the fridge for quick snacks throughout the week, ensuring indulgence isn’t too far away!
Ingredients
To create these delightful carrot cake bars, you’ll need:
– Unsweetened applesauce or oil for moisture
– Sugar for sweetness
– Eggs to bind everything together
– Flour to build the structure
– Baking soda and baking powder for that perfect rise
– Salt and cinnamon to elevate the flavors
– Grated carrots, shredded sweetened coconut, and optional nuts for a fantastic texture
– Vanilla extract for flavor enhancement
– Crushed pineapple to keep everything nice and moist
**Note: Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.**
How to Make the Recipe
Making these decadent carrot cake bars is a breeze!
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm up that kitchen for the delightful scents that are about to fill it!
2. **Mix It Up**: Start by combining the first set of ingredients – your applesauce or oil, sugar, and eggs – in a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. **Dry Ingredients Next**: Add in your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Give it a gentle stir and watch as the batter begins to take shape.
4. **Fold in the Goodies**: Now, it’s time to incorporate the grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts (if you’re using them), vanilla, and that dreamy crushed pineapple. Feel free to get your hands in the mix or use a spatula to fold it all together. Don’t worry if your batter looks a little chunky – it’s all part of the magic!
5. **Bake It Up**: Pour your glorious mix into a lightly greased or parchment-lined 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. Spread it into an even layer and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Just resist the urge to peek too often; the aroma will be testing your patience!
6. **Cool It Down**: Once baked, allow your carrot cake to cool completely in the pan. This is super important for the frosting—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
7. **Frosting Time**: In another bowl, take your softened butter and cream cheese and beat them together until fluffy. Add in the vanilla and powdered sugar, and mix until smooth. Spread this creamy frosting over your cooled carrot cake bars and get ready for the compliments!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– For extra moisture, consider adding a bit more crushed pineapple or even some applesauce. It helps keep those bars rich and tender!
– If you want to avoid the bars sticking to the pan, make sure to use parchment paper – it’s a game changer!
– Don’t hesitate to play with mix-ins! Raisins, chopped walnuts, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg can add layers of flavor you might just fall in love with.
How to Serve
These carrot cake bars can be served as is; however, I like to dress them up a little. A light dusting of extra shredded coconut on top can look delightful, or you can add some chopped nuts for a crunchy topping. Pair them with a cup of warm tea or coffee, and you’re set for a cozy afternoon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about three days – but trust me, they may not last that long! If you’ve made extra batches, feel free to freeze them! Simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for a sweet treat ready when you are. Reheat in your microwave for a few seconds, and it’s like they were just baked!
So there you have it! Now that you know how to whip up these delectable old-fashioned carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting, you can share the love – and the recipe! These delightful bars are sure to become a perennial favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every soft, sweet bite!
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce or oil Nana’s recipe
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 large 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 in juice
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 lb powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine cake ingredients #1. Add cake ingredients #2. Stir in cake ingredients #3.
- Pour into a lightly greased or parchment lined 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely!
- For the frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, beat until smooth.
- Spread frosting on top of the cooled cake bars and serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.