Delightful Carrot Cake Bars
How to Make Delicious Carrot Cake Bars
Carrot cake bars are a delightful treat that combines the warm, spiced flavors of a classic carrot cake in a portable and easy-to-eat form. This recipe creates moist and tender bars that are perfect for dessert or a snack. With the addition of nuts and optional frosting, these bars are sure to please everyone at the table!
Why Make This Recipe?
There are many reasons to try making carrot cake bars! They are:
- Easy to Make: This simple recipe requires minimal baking skills and can be whipped up in no time.
- Full of Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet carrots offers a deliciously warm flavor profile.
- Versatile: Enjoy them plain or dress them up with a cream cheese frosting for an extra special touch.
- Nutritious: With shredded carrots included, these bars provide a serving of vegetables, making them a slightly healthier choice for dessert.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars
Follow these easy steps to create your own scrumptious carrot cake bars.
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Create a well in the dry mixture; add the eggs and oil or melted butter. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the shredded carrots and nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Optionally, frost with cream cheese frosting.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars
Carrot cake bars can be served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain, or ice them with a delicious cream cheese frosting. They are perfect for parties, as a midday snack, or as a treat with coffee or tea. For an added touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top.
How to Store Carrot Cake Bars
To keep your carrot cake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Carrot Cake Bars
- Use Fresh Carrots: Grate fresh carrots instead of using pre-packaged shredded carrots for the best flavor and texture.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix just until combined. This will help ensure tender bars.
Variations
- Add Pineapple: For a tropical twist, add ½ cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter.
- Use Different Nuts: Substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
- Spice it Up: Enhance the flavor by adding raisins, coconut, or even a pinch of ginger for added warmth.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser.
2. How can I tell when the bars are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready.
3. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and replace the oil with applesauce for a vegan version.
Enjoy baking and sharing these wonderful carrot cake bars! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
Carrot Cake Bars
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients and Add-ins
- 2 large eggs (room temperature) Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil or melted butter Use vegetable oil for a lighter option, or butter for a richer flavor.
- 2 cups shredded carrots Approximately two medium carrots.
- 0.5 cups chopped walnuts or pecans Optional, can be omitted for nut-free version.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Create a well in the dry mixture; add the eggs and oil or melted butter. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the shredded carrots and nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Optionally, frost with cream cheese frosting.
