Carrot Cake Bars: Deliciously Moist and Easy Recipe for Your Next Dessert

Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert that many of us know and love. With their moist texture and rich flavor, these bars are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to incorporate healthy ingredients into a sweet indulgence. Originating from the traditional carrot cake, which has roots in medieval Europe, these bars have become a popular choice for gatherings and celebrations, offering a convenient and portable option for dessert lovers.

What I adore about Carrot Cake Bars is their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, combined with the satisfying crunch of walnuts and the natural sweetness of grated carrots. They are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, these bars are sure to impress. Join me as we dive into the world of Carrot Cake Bars and discover why they have captured the hearts of so many!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Preparing the Batter

Let’s get started on our delicious carrot cake bars! First, I like to preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready for our batter when we’re done mixing.

1. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the dry ingredients. I start with 2 cups of all-purpose flour, followed by 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. I whisk these together until they are well combined. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
2. In a separate bowl, I mix the wet ingredients. I pour in 1 cup of vegetable oil, crack in 4 large eggs, and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. The oil will keep our bars moist, while the eggs provide structure.
3. Next, I grate about 4 medium carrots until I have 2 cups of grated carrots. I find that using a box grater or a food processor makes this task much easier. Once grated, I add the carrots to the wet mixture.
4. Now, I open a can of crushed pineapple and drain it well. I want to make sure there’s no excess liquid that could make the batter too wet. I add 1 cup of the drained pineapple to the wet ingredients, along with 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans if I’m using them, and 1/2 cup of raisins if I want a little extra sweetness. I give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. I pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula. I’m careful not to overmix; I just want to combine everything until there are no dry streaks left. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

Cooking Process

With our batter ready, it’s time to bake these delicious carrot cake bars!

1. I grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with a little vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. I find that lining the pan with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Next, I pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with my spatula. I make sure to get into the corners so that all the batter is evenly distributed.
3. Now, I place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. I set a timer and use this time to clean up my workspace and prepare for the next step. I know the bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
4. Once baked, I remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, I carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if I used it) and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assembling and Serving

Now that our carrot cake bars are cool, it’s time to add a little something special to them!

1. For the frosting, I like to make a simple cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, I combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Carrot Cake Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The moist, spiced cake combined with the creamy frosting creates a heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip them up in no time and impress your friends and family with your baking skills! For serving suggestions, I love to pair these bars with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm cup of tea. They also make a fantastic dessert for potlucks or picnics, and you can easily cut them into smaller squares for bite-sized treats. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some crushed pineapple or chopped nuts to the batter for an extra twist, or even swapping out the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze if you prefer a lighter touch. I encourage you to give this Carrot Cake Bars recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the joy of baking together! Happy baking! Print

   Carrot Cake Bars: Deliciously Moist and Easy Recipe for Your Next Dessert

   

   Print Recipe

   Deliciously moist carrot cake bars filled with grated carrots and crushed pineapple, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion and easily customizable with your favorite mix-ins!

   • Author: Dottie
   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
   • Total Time: 55 minutes
   • Yield: 24 bars 1x

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 2 cups granulated sugar
   • 1 teaspoon baking powder
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda
   • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1 cup vegetable oil
   • 4 large eggs
   • 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
   • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
   • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
   • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 4 cups powdered sugar
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

   Instructions

   1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
   3. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
   4. Grate the carrots and add them to the wet mixture.
   5. Drain the crushed pineapple and add it to the wet mixture along with the optional nuts and raisins. Stir to combine.
   6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
   7. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
   8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   9. Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
   10. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   11. Once the bars are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
   12. Slice into squares and serve.

   Notes

   • Feel free to customize these carrot cake bars by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as coconut or chocolate chips.
   • You can also adjust the spices to your liking.