How to Make Delicious Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot cake has long been a beloved dessert, and for good reason. It’s moist, flavorful, and often packed with wholesome ingredients. Today, we’re taking a classic favorite and transforming it into convenient and delicious carrot cake bars. These bars are perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a treat at a gathering. Get ready to delight your taste buds with a spiced, carrot-filled slice that’s easy to make and oh-so-satisfying!

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to try these delicious carrot cake bars. First and foremost, they are moist and bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of carrots, warm spices, and sweeteners. The addition of walnuts or pecans gives them a delightful crunch, while the option of cream cheese frosting elevates the dessert even further. Plus, they’re simple to make, requiring minimal prep work and just one bowl for mixing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these carrot cake bars will impress anyone lucky enough to taste them!

How to Make Delicious Carrot Cake Bars

Follow these easy steps to create your own delightful carrot cake bars at home.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 cups shredded carrots (about two medium carrots)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of your dry mixture. Add the room temperature eggs and vegetable oil or melted butter. Mix the ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated.

4. Add Carrots and Nuts: Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped nuts if you are using them. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve: Allow the carrot cake bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. If desired, frost with cream cheese frosting for an extra treat.

How to Serve Delicious Carrot Cake Bars

These carrot cake bars can be enjoyed on their own or dressed up with cream cheese frosting. Serve them at room temperature, and consider pairing them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

How to Store Delicious Carrot Cake Bars

To keep your carrot cake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months. When freezing, wrap the bars tightly in plastic or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Delicious Carrot Cake Bars

• Use freshly shredded carrots for the best flavor and texture.
• Ensure your eggs are at room temperature; they mix better with the other ingredients.
• If you don’t have nuts on hand, you can easily omit them or replace them with raisins for added sweetness.

Variations

• Add Pineapple: Incorporate crushed pineapple for added moisture and sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to meet dietary needs.
• Vegan Version: Swap the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use a plant-based oil.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought shredded carrots?
Yes, store-bought shredded carrots can be used for convenience.

2. How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your bars are done.

3. Can I freeze the carrot cake bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw before serving.

These delicious carrot cake bars are sure to become a household favorite. With their rich flavors and satisfying texture, they make for the perfect treat any time of the day. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Carrot Cake Bars

Moist and flavorful carrot cake bars made with wholesome ingredients, perfect for a snack or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil or melted butter

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded carrots (about two medium carrots)
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Make a well in the center of your dry mixture. Add the room temperature eggs and vegetable oil or melted butter. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped nuts (if using). Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooling and Serving

1. Allow the carrot cake bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
2. If desired, frost with cream cheese frosting before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.