Carrot bars are a delightful, moist, and warmly spiced dessert or snack bar that brings together the wholesome sweetness of carrots with the rich, comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. These bars are a close cousin to carrot cake but are typically thinner, easier to slice into squares or rectangles, and often served as handheld treats, making them perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or casual gatherings.
The base of the recipe is a tender, cake-like batter made with freshly grated carrots, which not only provide natural sweetness and a vibrant color but also contribute to a wonderfully soft and moist texture. The batter often includes ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, a touch of salt, and a blend of warm spices—typically cinnamon and nutmeg, and sometimes ginger or cloves for extra depth. The wet ingredients usually consist of eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and brown or granulated sugar. Some recipes may also incorporate applesauce or crushed pineapple for added moisture and a subtle fruity note.
Optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins, or shredded coconut can be folded into the batter to enhance texture and flavor. These additions introduce crunch, chewiness, or a tropical twist, making each bite a little more interesting and personalized.
Once baked, carrot bars have a golden-brown top with a slightly caramelized edge and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior. After cooling, they are often topped with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting—a luscious, tangy-sweet topping made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. The contrast between the creamy frosting and the spiced carrot base is what makes this treat truly irresistible.
For a more rustic or lightly sweetened version, the bars can be left unfrosted and dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. Regardless of the topping, carrot bars slice neatly into squares or rectangles, making them easy to serve and store.
Serving Suggestions:
Carrot bars are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and can also be dressed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant dessert presentation. They store well in the refrigerator for several days and can also be frozen for longer keeping, making them a convenient make-ahead treat.
Ingredients:
- Preheat oven 350F. Grease and line a 13 x 9 x 2 inch rectangular pan. Set aside.
- Sift together the first 5 ingredients in a bowl.
- Beat until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes or until done.
- Cool for 10 minutes before removing from.
- Cut into bars. Frost with butter icing if desired.