How do you know when carrot cake is cooked?

Carrot cake bars recipe is done when the center feels set but still soft. Insert a toothpick near the middle, It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter. The bars will continue to cook a bit as they cool in the pan. If you’re familiar with traditional cakes, try comparing with my carrot bundt cake recipe for a helpful texture guide.

What makes a carrot cake good?

Carrot cake bars recipe shines when it balances spice, moisture, and sweetness perfectly. Use fresh, finely grated carrots, rely on dark brown sugar for rich flavor, and bake just until done. Overbaking dries out the crumb and dulls the frosting’s impact.

How long will carrot cake keep?

Carrot cake bars recipe stays fresh up to five days in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring them to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor. They also freeze well, Wrap individual pieces and freeze up to two months.

How long to let a carrot cake cool?

Carrot cake bars recipe should cool completely before frosting, About one hour at room temperature. Rushing this causes frosting to melt. To speed cooling, place the pan on a wire rack or near a window for even heat release.

Carrot Cake Bars Recipe – 4 Easy Steps to Enjoy

Name: Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 9 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cup finely grated carrots; 4 oz softened cream cheese; 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Description

Carrot cake bars recipe packed with warm spices, dark brown sugar, and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Moist, easy to slice, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground allspice

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cup finely grated carrots

4 oz softened cream cheese

4 tbsp softened unsalted butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Whisk flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice in a bowl.

3. In another bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.

4. Add eggs one at a time, then whisk in vanilla.

5. Fold in dry ingredients and grated carrots gently.

6. Spread thick batter evenly in the prepared pan.

7. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

8. Cool bars completely in the pan before frosting.

9. Make frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth.

10. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy.

11. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.

12. Garnish with cinnamon or chopped walnuts if desired.

13. Slice and serve.

Notes

Mix-ins: Add up to 1/2 cup chopped nuts, raisins, or coconut.

Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 234
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 294mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 72mg