Why Make This Recipe
Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake bring together the classic flavors of a traditional carrot cake in a delightful bar form. They are moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy frosting that adds a rich finish. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat after dinner. The blend of spices and the sweetness of the carrots create a comforting dessert that many will love. Plus, they are easy to make, allowing you to whip them up quickly without any fuss.
How to Make Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake
Making these delicious cream cheese bars is quite straightforward. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll be able to create a dessert that tastes as good as it looks. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure to mix well so that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth. This step is important to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated into the oil.
Add Carrots and Nuts: Then, add the grated carrots and the optional chopped walnuts or pecans to the wet mixture. Stir until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is moistened.
Bake the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared greased pan. Spread it evenly across the pan to ensure consistent baking.
Check for Doneness: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready.
Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This will help them set and make them easier to cut later.
Prepare the Frosting: While the bars are cooling, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Frost the Bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, evenly frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Be generous and make sure every corner is covered!
Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. They are perfect for sharing or for enjoying on your own!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake
When it comes to serving these delicious bars, consider presenting them on a decorative platter for an appealing look. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or some additional chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor. These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon snack or dessert. You can even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat!
How to Store Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight when you are ready to enjoy them again.
Tips to Make Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake
Use Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated carrots. Store-bought pre-grated carrots can sometimes be drier.
Check for Freshness of Spices: Make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor. Old spices can lose their potency over time.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just enough to moisten. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
Experiment with Nuts: If you’re unsure about adding nuts, you can leave them out or substitute them with your favorites, like almonds or hazelnuts.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: It’s important to let the bars cool completely before frosting them, as this helps the frosting stay intact and prevents it from melting.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider adding different spices to the batter such as ginger or cardamom for a unique twist. You could also try adding raisins or pineapple for an extra burst of flavor. Another variation could be to incorporate different kinds of frosting, such as a maple cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a nuttier flavor and increase the nutritional value.
2. How can I make the bars more moist?
For moister bars, try adding a bit of crushed pineapple, applesauce, or even yogurt to the batter. These ingredients can enhance the moisture level.
3. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of eggs and substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
4. How do I cut these bars neatly?
To cut the bars neatly, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between cuts. This will help keep the edges sharp and prevent frosting from smudging.
5. Can I add more carrots?
Yes, you can add more grated carrots for extra flavor. Just be cautious not to add too many, as it could change the texture and moisture level of the bars.
Enjoy making these Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake, and share the joy of baking with friends and family!
Print
Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bars that combine the classic flavors of traditional carrot cake, topped with a creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth.
- Add grated carrots and optional nuts to the wet mixture and stir until well combined.
- Gently combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Once cooled, frost the bars generously and cut into squares before serving.
Notes
These bars pair well with coffee or tea and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: carrot cake, dessert bars, cream cheese frosting