Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting bring all the flavors of classic carrot cake into an easy-to-make bar form. They’re soft, moist, and loaded with shredded carrots, coconut, and crushed pineapple, giving them an incredible texture and flavor. Topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for Easter, brunch, or anytime you’re craving a delicious homemade treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Easier than layered cake – No stacking, just bake, frost, and enjoy!
✔️ Perfectly spiced and moist – Thanks to pineapple, applesauce, and warm cinnamon.
✔️ Creamy frosting – The best part! A smooth, sweet, and tangy cream cheese topping.
✔️ Great for crowds – Makes a large batch, perfect for parties and gatherings.
✔️ Customizable – Add nuts, coconut, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Group One:

• 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce or oil (Nana used oil!)
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs

Group Two:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Group Three:

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (not drained; use pineapple in juice, not syrup!)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 lb powdered sugar

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease or line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Group One ingredients (applesauce or oil, sugar, eggs) until smooth.
2. Add Group Two ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon) to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
3. Stir in Group Three ingredients (grated carrots, coconut, nuts, vanilla, and crushed pineapple). Do not overmix!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan.
2. Spread evenly with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
3. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed until smooth.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

1. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake bars.
2. Slice into 36 bars and serve immediately.

Pro Tips and Variations

✔️ Use oil for extra moisture – Applesauce makes it lighter, but oil keeps it super moist.
✔️ Toast the nuts – Adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
✔️ Make it gluten-free – Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
✔️ Want a thicker bar? – Use a 9×13-inch pan, but increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.
✔️ Add a citrus twist – Stir orange zest into the frosting for a fresh, bright flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with toasted coconut or crushed nuts for a decorative touch.
• Serve chilled – The frosting sets up beautifully in the fridge.
• Pair with hot coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy treat.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.

Reheating:

• Serve cold or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

❓ Can I make these into cupcakes?
Yes! Pour batter into lined cupcake tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

❓ Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can, but homemade cream cheese frosting is richer and more flavorful!

❓ Why did my cake turn out dry?
Overbaking can dry it out—check doneness at 25 minutes with a toothpick.

❓ Can I skip the coconut and nuts?
Yes! The bars will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.

Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of classic carrot cake without the hassle of layers. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they’re ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to Easter brunch. Try them once, and they’ll become a new favorite!

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