Carrot Cake Blondies
If you're a fan of classic carrot cake but prefer the ease and convenience of blondies, then you're in for a treat. These moist and flavorful blondies are packed with shredded carrots, cinnamon spice, and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion - from casual gatherings to special celebrations, these carrot cake blondies are sure to impress. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Let's dive into the recipe and get baking!
what is a blondie?
A blondie is a dense and chewy dessert bar similar to a brownie but without cocoa or chocolate. Made with ingredients like brown sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla, blondies have a rich, buttery flavor with a slightly caramelized taste. They're often mixed with add-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits and baked in a square or rectangular pan. With a crispy exterior and soft, gooey interior, blondies are a versatile and delicious treat perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet indulgence.
what's the difference between carrot cake and carrot cake blondies?
Carrot cake is a moist, fluffy cake topped with cream cheese frosting, while a carrot cake blondie retains the dense, chewy texture of blondies with flavors of carrot cake. The former is baked in round pans, while the latter, made in square or rectangular pans, may contain mix-ins like nuts or raisins and can be served plain or frosted, providing a convenient twist on classic carrot cake in bar form.
Can I make blondies ahead of time?
Yes! These carrot cake blondies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I use store-bought shredded carrots?
While fresh shredded carrots are preferred for optimal flavor and texture, you can certainly use store-bought shredded carrots in a pinch. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter.
Can I omit the cream cheese frosting?
While the cream cheese frosting adds a deliciously creamy and tangy element to these blondies, you can certainly omit it if desired. The blondies are delicious on their own, or you can dust them with powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch.
carrot cake blondie Ingredients
Grated Carrots: Provide moisture, natural sweetness, and a subtle carrot flavor, adding texture and depth to the blondies.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and richness to the blondies, contributing to their moist and chewy texture while imparting a hint of caramel flavor.
Butter: Enhances the richness and flavor of the blondies, contributing to their tender and buttery consistency.
Eggs: Act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and provide structure to the blondies.
Flour: Serves as the base ingredient, providing structure and stability to the blondies while giving them a soft and chewy texture.
Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the blondies rise and achieve a light and airy texture.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the blondies, complementing the sweetness of the carrots and brown sugar with its earthy flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances out the sweetness of the blondies.
Optional Mix-ins (e.g., nuts, raisins): Provide additional texture and flavor variations, adding crunchiness or chewiness to the blondies according to personal preference.
how to make carrot cake blondies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, mix together the sifted flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar.
Add the eggs until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the shredded carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Decorating the Carrot Cake Blondies
Once the blondies have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Optional: Garnish with toasted walnuts and carrot curls for an extra touch of elegance.
Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!
How to store carrot cake blondies
To store carrot cake blondies, allow them to cool completely, then cut them into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
I hope you enjoy making and devouring these scrumptious Carrot Cake Blondies as much as I do! Happy baking!
Carrot Cake Blondies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups sifted flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sifted flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the shredded carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Once the blondies have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Optional: Garnish with toasted walnuts and carrot curls for an extra touch of elegance.
- Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!
P.S. Enjoy this recipe? Then, be sure to pin it to Pinterest for next time!
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