These 5 ingredient carrot cake bars with cake mix are quick and easy to make, super scrumptious, incredibly delicious, and the perfect spring dessert for Easter!
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Get ready to make these frosted carrot cake squares every Easter, cause let me tell you, they are seriously so good!
I have to make two batches of these guys to make sure everyone gets seconds and thirds at Easter because everyone loves them!
If you like carrot cake desserts, then you should also try these carrot cake mix cookies with cream cheese icing, oatmeal carrot cake cookies with cream cheese glaze, carrot cake sandwich cookies, and this carrot cake using spice cake mix recipe too!
Some other dessert bars you may like are these cream cheese frosted pumpkin bars with cake mix and these gingerbread cookie bars with cream cheese frosting too.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick: These bars come together quickly in 3 simple steps!
- Easy: All you need is five ingredients to make these!
- Crowd Pleaser: They're a hit at any occasion and your friends and family will be asking you for the recipe!
Ingredients
- Boxed Carrot Cake Mix
- Egg
- Butter
- Cream Cheese
- Icing Sugar
See the recipe card below for the ingredient measurements.
Alternative Ingredients
- Walnuts: These will give the bars a nutty flavour and crunchy element.
- Raisins: For sweetness and a burst of flavour.
- Coconut: Slices of coconut will offer a crunchy texture and delicious taste.
- Sprinkles: Top with spring or Easter sprinkles to make them festive and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 - Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 baking dish and line it with parchment paper (this will keep the parchment paper in place).
Step 2 - Make the bars: To a large bowl, add and mix the carrot cake mix, egg, and melted butter using an electric hand mixer. Transfer the batter to the baking dish and bake for 15-17 minutes or until the edges start to slightly darken. Wait until the bars are completely cooled, then lift them out of the baking dish by the parchment paper and place them on the cutting board.
Step 3 - Frost the bars: To a separate large bowl, combine and mix the softened butter and softened cream cheese on high. Add the icing sugar and mix on low until combined and smooth. Frost the bars and then slice them into squares.
Storage
Store the bars at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider freezing without the frosting, as the texture will likely change once thawed.
Kitchen Equipment
- Electric Hand Mixer: This is used to mix the batter and make the frosting.
- Mixing Bowls: These are used to make the carrot cake batter and frosting.
- 9x13 Baking Dish: For baking the bars.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: These are used to measure the ingredients.
- Cooling Rack: To help the bars cool quickly.
Helpful Tips
- Use parchment paper. While not necessary, it will be helpful to remove the bars from the dish if you line the dish with parchment paper because once cooled, you can easily remove it all at once and then easily frost and cut them on a cutting board.
- Grease the baking dish. Before lining it with parchment paper, spray the baking dish with cooking spray because it will help keep the parchment paper in place when transferring the sticky batter into it.
- Use a toothpick. To test if the bars are ready, poke them with a toothpick and if it comes out clean, they're ready. You'll also notice the edges have slightly darkened.
- Wait to frost the bars. Wait until the bars are completely cooled to frost them, otherwise the frosting will melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
They're ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the edges have slightly darkened.
Yes it's quite sticky and can take some time to press into the baking dish.
Absolutely! If you want to save even more time, use a store-bought frosting.
No, they can be stored at room temperature but can be refrigerated if preferred.
Related Recipes
- carrot cake mix cookies with cream cheese icing
- oatmeal carrot cake cookies with cream cheese glaze
- carrot cake using spice cake mix recipe
- cream cheese frosted pumpkin bars with cake mix
- gingerbread cookie bars with cream cheese frosting
📖 Recipe
5 Ingredient Carrot Cake Bars with Cake Mix
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These carrot cake bars are quick and easy to make and the best dessert for sharing at Easter!
Ingredients
Carrot Cake Bars
- Carrot Cake Mix: 1 box (15.25 oz)
- Egg: 1
- Butter: ½ cup, melted
Frosting
- Butter: ½ cup, softened
- Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened
- Icing Sugar: 2 cups
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 baking dish and line it with parchment paper (this will keep the parchment paper in place).
- Make the bars: To a large bowl, add and mix the carrot cake mix, egg, and melted butter using an electric hand mixer. Transfer the batter to the baking dish and bake for 15-17 minutes or until the edges start to slightly darken. Wait until the bars are completely cooled, then lift them out of the baking dish by the parchment paper and place them on the cutting board.
- Frost the bars: To a separate large bowl, combine and mix the softened butter and softened cream cheese on high. Add the icing sugar and mix on low until combined and smooth. Frost the bars and then slice them into squares.
Notes
Nutrition facts are for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any errors. We have tested the recipe for accuracy, but your results may vary. Please note that this is not medical or nutrition advice. Seek advice from a licensed professional if you need advice. We are not liable for any damages caused by your use of this content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: dessert bars
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: american
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