Embrace the comforting flavors of fall with these delightful Carrot Bars, crowned with a luscious Maple Frosting. This recipe transforms humble carrots into an incredibly moist, tender, and warmly spiced cake-like bar, perfectly complemented by the rich, earthy sweetness of pure maple syrup in the frosting. It’s an ideal treat for a cozy afternoon snack, a charming addition to a brunch spread, or a simple dessert that celebrates the goodness of homemade baking. Easy to make and universally loved, these bars are destined to become a new favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely adore these Carrot Bars because they strike that perfect balance between wholesome goodness and indulgent sweetness. The finely grated carrots ensure every bite is incredibly moist and tender, while the blend of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma. The star for me, though, is that Maple Frosting. The combination of cream cheese, butter, and real maple syrup creates a glaze that’s tangy, sweet, and utterly irresistible – it perfectly complements the subtle earthiness of the carrot bars. It’s a fuss-free recipe that produces a surprisingly sophisticated treat, and it’s fantastic for making ahead for gatherings!
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these wonderfully moist Carrot Bars with Maple Frosting:
For the Carrot Bars:
- 1 cup finely grated carrots (from about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Maple Frosting:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (2 ounces) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Grade A Amber or Dark, for richer flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
- Carrot shavings or finely chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Carrots: Finely grated carrots are essential for even distribution and moisture. Do not use pre-shredded carrots from a bag, as they are often thicker and drier. Lightly pack the grated carrots into the measuring cup.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is recommended for the bars. Ensure it’s packed when measuring.
- Butter (Bars): Melted butter adds richness and moisture. Ensure it’s cooled slightly before adding to the other wet ingredients.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic pairings with carrots. A tiny pinch of ground ginger or allspice could also be added for more complexity.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is standard. Ensure it’s spooned into the measuring cup and leveled, not scooped, to avoid over-measuring.
- Cream Cheese (Frosting): Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture in the frosting. Ensure both the cream cheese and butter are thoroughly softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor in the frosting; imitation syrup will not yield the same results.
- Powdered Sugar: Sift if it’s lumpy to ensure a smooth frosting.
- Garnish: A light dusting of cinnamon or a few fine carrot curls or chopped pecans can elevate the presentation.
List of Steps for the Recipe
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350∘F (175∘C).
- Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Then, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to create “handles” for easy removal of the baked bars. This also helps prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients for Bars:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup finely grated carrots, 1/2 cup melted (and slightly cooled) unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Whisk or stir with a spatula until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is uniform.
3. Prepare Dry Ingredients for Bars:
- In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk well to ensure the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet carrot mixture.
- Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; mix only until no streaks of dry flour are visible. Overmixing can result in tougher bars.
5. Bake the Carrot Bars:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is crucial for the frosting to set properly and not melt.
6. Prepare the Maple Frosting:
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/4 cup softened cream cheese until the mixture is very creamy and smooth, with no lumps (using an electric mixer is recommended).
- Gradually add the 1/2 cup powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If it seems too thick, you can add a tiny splash (1/2 teaspoon) of milk.
7. Frost, Garnish, and Serve:
- Once the carrot bars are fully cooled (this is very important!), use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the maple frosting evenly over the top of the bars.
- If desired, garnish with a light pinch of ground cinnamon, a few delicate carrot shavings (made with a vegetable peeler), or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans.
- Using the parchment paper handles, lift the entire baked and frosted bar from the dish. Place it on a cutting board.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips for Success
- Finely Grate Carrots: This ensures the carrots blend seamlessly into the batter and contribute maximum moisture without noticeable chunks.
- Room Temperature Ingredients (Frosting): Ensure butter and cream cheese for the frosting are thoroughly softened to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: As with most baked goods, overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dry product. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: This cannot be stressed enough! Frosting warm bars will result in a melted, runny mess. Patience is key here.
- Pure Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, use genuine pure maple syrup in the frosting, not imitation pancake syrup.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the frosting before spreading. You can add a tiny bit more powdered sugar for sweetness, or a touch more maple syrup for stronger maple flavor, as desired.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Carrot Bars with Maple Frosting are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various settings:
- Coffee or Tea Time: A perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee, a comforting tea, or even a spiced chai latte.
- Afternoon Snack: A wholesome yet indulgent snack.
- Brunch Spread: An excellent addition to a brunch buffet, especially during fall or spring holidays.
- Simple Dessert: Serve as a light dessert after a meal.
- Lunchbox Treat: A delightful surprise in a packed lunch.
Nutritional Information
(Approximation per serving, based on 9-12 squares. Values can vary significantly based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 250-350 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 3-4 g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 g (with 8-12 g saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-45 g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2 g
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200 mg
- Cholesterol: Approximately 40-60 mg
Note: These values are estimates. For precise nutritional information, it’s recommended to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients and exact portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese in the frosting, these Carrot Bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Bringing to Room Temperature: For best flavor and texture, remove the bars from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the frosting and bars to soften slightly.
- Freezing (Unfrosted Bars): The unfrosted carrot bars freeze well. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire slab (or individual bars) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
- Freezing (Frosted Bars): While possible, the texture of the frosting might change slightly upon thawing (can become a bit watery). If freezing frosted, flash-freeze until firm, then wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
These Carrot Bars with Maple Frosting are a delightful celebration of comforting flavors and moist, tender texture. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfectly suited for any occasion where you crave a taste of cozy sweetness. Get ready to fall in love with this charming and delicious treat!
We’d love to hear how your Carrot Bars with Maple Frosting turned out! Share your baking adventures or any cherished memories associated with carrot cake or maple flavors in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow us for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration!
Leave a Reply