Indulge in the warmth and richness of homemade carrot cake bars. With their moist texture and spiced flavor, these bars are a perfect blend of sweetness and comfort. Topped with a creamy frosting, they make for a delightful dessert or snack. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s get started on creating these delicious treats that everyone will love!
Ingredients
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
– 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, while baking takes around 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bar) contains approximately:
– Calories: 250
– Total Fat: 12g
– Saturated Fat: 2g
– Cholesterol: 35mg
– Sodium: 150mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 34g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 20g
– Protein: 3g
This information is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the grated carrots, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the vegetable oil and eggs to the mixture, stirring until smooth.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth, then spread over cooled bars.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option. Additionally, use applesauce instead of vegetable oil for a lower-fat version. Chopped pecans can replace walnuts if desired.
Serving and Pairings
These carrot cake bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to potlucks, picnics, or dessert tables. Consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 15-20 seconds or let them come to room temperature before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bars; mix until just combined.
- Not measuring the carrots correctly can affect moisture; ensure they are grated finely.
- Using stale spices can diminish flavor; make sure your spices are fresh.
- Not cooling the bars completely before frosting can cause the frosting to melt.
- Skipping the parchment paper can lead to sticking; always line your pan for easy removal.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a dash of ginger or cloves to the batter.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting for the best texture.
- Consider adding raisins for added sweetness and texture.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.
FAQs
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can make these bars vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs and using a plant-based cream cheese for the frosting.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bars?
You can enhance the flavor by adding crushed pineapple or unsweetened applesauce to the batter for added moisture and sweetness.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in denser bars. You might want to mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter texture.
What can I do if my bars are too dry?
If your bars turn out dry, consider adding a little more oil or grated carrot next time. Serving them with frosting can also help with moisture.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Conclusion
These carrot cake bars are a delightful treat, combining the flavors of a classic carrot cake in a convenient bar form. Whether for a special occasion or a simple dessert, they are sure to impress. Enjoy baking and sharing this recipe with family and friends!
Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
- 1 cup cream cheese softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar for frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix grated carrots, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add vegetable oil and eggs to the mixture, stirring until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth, then spread over cooled bars.
