Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These carrot cake bars are not only easy to make but incredibly delicious. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, along with the added crunch of pecans, creates a flavorful and satisfying dessert. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast to the spiced bars, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chopped toasted pecans (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 pan with parchment or foil, greased lightly.
- Mix melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, spices, salt, and baking powder. Stir into wet ingredients until combined.
- Stir in carrots and pecans. Spread the batter into the pan and bake for 22-26 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- To make frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Once the bars cool, frost them and garnish with pecans.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 bars
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 23 minutes
- Total time: 53 minutes
Variations
- Add raisins or coconut for extra texture.
- Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these bars a day in advance and refrigerate them.
How can I make the frosting firmer?
Add more powdered sugar or chill the frosting before spreading it.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, freeze them without frosting for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
These Carrot Cake Bars are a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Carrot Cake Bars
These Carrot Cake Bars are soft, moist, and packed with warm spices, shredded carrots, and toasted pecans, all topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. A perfect cross between carrot cake and a buttery blondie, these bars are ideal for any occasion. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they offer the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess with every bite.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chopped toasted pecans (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment or foil, greased lightly. -
Make the Batter:
- Mix the melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar.
- Whisk in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, spices, salt, and baking powder. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
- Stir in the shredded carrots and chopped toasted pecans.
-
Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 22-26 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Make the Frosting:
- Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
-
Frost and Serve:
- Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Garnish with additional chopped toasted pecans if desired.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
-
Variations:
- Add raisins or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Swap pecans for walnuts for a different twist.
-
Storage:
- Store these bars in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Let them sit at room temperature for 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to soften.
