Can I make carrot cake bars without cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip the frosting altogether. The bars are already packed with flavor from the warm spices and grated carrots . Alternatively, you can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze for a touch of sweetness.

What’s the best way to shred carrots for cake bars?

For the best texture, use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Avoid pre-shredded store-bought carrots they tend to be too dry and won’t add the same moisture to the batter.

How long do carrot cake bars last?

- At room temperature: Up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container. - In the refrigerator: Up to 5 days when covered tightly. - In the freezer: Up to 3 months if individually wrapped and stored in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I use oil instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes! Using vegetable oil or melted coconut oil instead of butter makes the bars extra moist. Oil helps keep the bars soft for longer, which is perfect if you plan to store them for a few days.

Are carrot cake bars healthy?

While this carrot cake bars recipe is a sweet treat, it does include some nutritious ingredients like fresh carrots , nuts , and spices . To make it healthier, you can reduce the sugar, use whole wheat flour, or swap some of the oil for unsweetened applesauce. These FAQs should help clear up any confusion so you can bake with confidence! Now, let’s explore some fun pairing ideas and related recipes.

Carrot Cake Bars Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Treat

Description

This carrot cake bars recipe delivers moist, spiced bars packed with fresh carrots and topped with a creamy, rich frosting. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for dessert or snacking!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
3 large eggs
¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups freshly grated carrots

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Prepare wet ingredients – In another bowl, beat brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine the mixtures – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until combined.
Fold in carrots – Mix in the grated carrots until evenly distributed.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
Make frosting – Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla extract.
Frost and serve – Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, slice, and enjoy!

Notes

100%

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: carrot cake bars, easy carrot dessert, spiced carrot bars, homemade carrot cake