Follow these simple steps to create your Old-Fashioned Country-Style Carrot Cake Bars:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or grease it lightly with cooking spray.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add the carrots and nuts: Fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick and chunky, but that’s what makes it so delicious!
- Pour the batter into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean. If the toothpick has moist crumbs but not raw batter, that’s perfect.
- Cool the cake: Allow the carrot cake bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting them. This will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat for 2-3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the bars: Once the carrot cake bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife. You can garnish the frosting with extra chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
- Cut and serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage
These carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting are perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as an everyday treat. Here are some tips on how to serve and store them:
- Serve chilled: For the best texture, serve the bars chilled. The cream cheese frosting holds its shape better when cold, and the flavors are well-balanced.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The bars will stay fresh and moist thanks to the applesauce and frosting.
- Freezing: You can freeze the un-frosted carrot cake bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and frost with the cream cheese frosting before enjoying.
Tips
Here are a few tips to make your Old-Fashioned Country-Style Carrot Cake Bars even better:
- Use fresh carrots: Grate fresh carrots for the best texture and flavor. Pre-grated carrots from the store can be dry and lack the fresh sweetness of freshly grated carrots.
- Optional add-ins: Feel free to customize your bars by adding raisins, shredded coconut, or a pinch of ground ginger for extra spice. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add a little more powdered sugar to the cream cheese frosting.
- Don’t skip the applesauce: The applesauce adds moisture and makes the bars incredibly soft. You can substitute with crushed pineapple for a tropical twist!
- Make the frosting ahead: You can make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost the bars. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the cooled bars.
Conclusion
These Old-Fashioned Country-Style Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a wonderful, easy-to-make twist on the classic carrot cake. With a moist, spiced cake and a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because, these bars are sure to impress!
Give this recipe a try and let the nostalgic flavors of homemade carrot cake bring a smile to your face. They’re easy to make, store well, and are sure to be a crowd favorite!
FAQ
- Can I make these bars without nuts?
- Yes! If you don’t like nuts or have allergies, you can leave them out entirely or substitute them with another mix-in like raisins or shredded coconut.
- Can I use a different frosting?
- Yes, you can use a simple buttercream frosting or even a whipped cream topping if you prefer something lighter. However, the classic cream cheese frosting is the perfect match for carrot cake!
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with