Carrot Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
Sweet, moist carrot bars with warm cinnamon flavor, topped with creamy frosting, perfect for dessert or tea time, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and gradually add sugar.
- Stir in oil, salt, cinnamon, and grated carrots.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking soda.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until well combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly while preparing the frosting.
- In a saucepan, melt margarine and mix in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually until spreadable consistency is achieved.
- Frost the bars while warm with the cream cheese frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have Gerber carrots, you can use fresh grated carrots; just ensure they are finely grated. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using a mix of spices. Monitor baking time closely, as it may vary based on your oven.
Serving Suggestions
These carrot bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve them at gatherings alongside other desserts like Quick And Lite Cheesecake or Tart-Riffic Delights. You can also garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover carrot bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold with the cream cheese frosting still intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carrot Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting contains roughly 745 calories, with 11g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 729mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh carrots instead of Gerber carrots?
Yes, you can use freshly grated carrots instead of Gerber carrots. Just ensure they are finely grated to mimic the texture and moisture. This will enhance the flavor and freshness of your carrot bars.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, you can decrease the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Additionally, incorporating a bit of lemon juice can add a refreshing tang that cuts through the sweetness.
Can I freeze the carrot bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the carrot bars either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).