These Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful fusion of classic carrot cake flavors and the chewy texture of a blondie. Packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and pecans, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these bars offer a moist and buttery treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• ½ cup chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped pecans. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
3. Assemble: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with additional chopped pecans, if desired. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of the recipe)
• Calories: Approximately 250
• Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 3g

The Perfect Carrot Cake Bars for Every Occasion

Carrot cake bars are an excellent twist on the traditional carrot cake, offering all the delicious flavors of the classic dessert in a convenient, handheld form. Whether you are making them for a holiday gathering, afternoon treat, or even as a sweet addition to a brunch spread, these bars are guaranteed to impress. They combine the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with the rich, tangy taste of cream cheese frosting, making them an irresistible dessert.

Why Carrot Cake Bars Are So Popular

Carrot cake has been a beloved dessert for centuries, dating back to medieval times when sweeteners were scarce, and carrots were often used to provide natural sweetness. The modern version of carrot cake, complete with spices, nuts, and a creamy frosting, has evolved into one of the most cherished desserts worldwide. Carrot cake bars take this concept to another level by offering all the same flavors in a simplified, easy-to-eat format. One of the key reasons for their popularity is the texture. These bars strike the perfect balance between a moist cake and a dense blondie, creating a chewy yet tender bite. Unlike traditional carrot cake, which often requires multiple layers and careful assembly, these bars are baked in a single layer and topped with cream cheese frosting, making them much easier to prepare.

The Best Occasions to Serve Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot cake bars are incredibly versatile and suitable for various occasions. Here are some of the best times to serve them:

• Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, these bars make an excellent dessert for festive occasions.
• Potlucks and Parties: Their portable nature makes them a great choice for sharing at community events.
• Afternoon Snacks: They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Brunch Spreads: Adding a sweet element to your brunch table makes for a well-rounded meal.
• Meal Prep for the Week: Since these bars store well, they can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week.

Storing and Freezing Carrot Cake Bars

One of the best things about these bars is that they store exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping or preparing in advance for an event. Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigeration: Since they contain cream cheese frosting, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Room Temperature (Unfrosted): If you haven’t added the frosting yet, you can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

The Health Benefits of Carrot Cake Bars

Although carrot cake bars are undeniably a dessert, they do offer some surprising health benefits due to their ingredients. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants, which contribute to better eye health and overall well-being. Additionally, nuts provide healthy fats and protein, while the spices used in the recipe have anti-inflammatory properties. That being said, these bars do contain sugar and butter, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar content, or substituting some of the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt.

Pairing Carrot Cake Bars with Drinks

Pairing your dessert with the right beverage can elevate the experience. Here are some excellent drink pairings for carrot cake bars:

• Coffee: A hot cup of black coffee or a cappuccino complements the richness of the bars.
• Tea: Chai tea, with its warm spices, pairs particularly well with the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
• Milk: A classic glass of milk balances out the sweetness and richness of the frosting.
• Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling, enhances the warm and nutty flavors of the bars.
• Spiced Latte: A pumpkin spice or cinnamon latte adds an extra layer of coziness to the treat.

Conclusion

Carrot cake bars are a delightful and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of carrot cake in a simplified, easy-to-make form. Their perfect balance of spices, moist texture, and luscious cream cheese frosting makes them a must-try dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering, enjoying them as an afternoon treat, or meal prepping for the week, these bars are sure to become a household favorite.