Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot Cake Blondies are a unique twist on the classic carrot cake, offering the same wonderful flavors in a quicker, more convenient form. They’re incredibly soft, moist, and loaded with spice from cinnamon and nutmeg. The addition of grated carrots brings natural sweetness and moisture, while the optional nuts and raisins add an extra layer of texture and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want a comforting snack, these blondies will become a fast favorite!

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
½ cup raisins or coconut (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Add Carrots and Nuts: Gently fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (or coconut, if using).
Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the blondies cool in the pan for around 15-20 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Slice: Once cooled, slice the blondies into squares to serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9 blondies (depending on size)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Cream Cheese Frosting: Top these blondies with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for a carrot cake-inspired touch.
Add-ins: Add crushed pineapple or shredded coconut for extra flavor and moisture.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Dried Fruit: Use dried apricots, cranberries, or figs instead of raisins for a different fruit flavor.
Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. Add a bit of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Freezing: These blondies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of sugar?

Yes, you can use white sugar or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Keep in mind that brown sugar adds extra moisture and a deeper flavor.

2. Can I make these blondies without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), or use a commercial egg replacer for a vegan version.

3. Can I use pre-grated carrots?

Yes, pre-grated carrots can be used for convenience, but make sure they’re finely grated so they incorporate well into the batter.

4. Can I make these blondies ahead of time?

Yes! These blondies keep well, so you can make them the day before you plan to serve them. They will also taste even better after a day or two when the flavors have had more time to meld.

5. Can I make these in a larger pan?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time as needed, typically 35-40 minutes.

6. Can I skip the nuts and raisins?

Absolutely! If you prefer a plain carrot cake flavor, feel free to leave out the nuts and raisins, and it will still taste delicious.

7. Can I frost these blondies?

Yes, you can frost these blondies with cream cheese frosting for a more decadent treat, or even a light glaze if you want something less sweet.

8. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly.

9. How can I make these more spiced?

Feel free to add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or even some ground ginger to make the flavor more intense.

10. How do I know when they’re done baking?

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready to be taken out of the oven.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Blondies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the classic flavor of carrot cake but in a more convenient, bite-sized form. These blondies are easy to make, customizable, and deliciously moist, with just the right balance of spices, sweetness, and texture. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply a cozy afternoon snack, these carrot cake blondies are sure to satisfy every craving. Enjoy every sweet, spiced bite!

Carrot Cake Blondies: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe

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Carrot Cake Blondies are a soft, spiced dessert that combines the classic flavors of carrot cake in a convenient, portable bar form. With grated carrots, warm spices, and optional nuts or raisins, these blondies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, perfect for any occasion.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 9 blondies (depending on size)
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (or coconut, if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the blondies cool in the pan for around 15-20 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, slice the blondies into squares to serve.