Heavenly Carrot Cake Squares Recipe: Fluffy Joy with Smooth Frosting

Sweet, moist carrot cake squares with creamy frosting dance between comfort and decadence.

Packed with warm spices and a rich, velvety texture, this recipe brings bakery-style magic to your kitchen.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg weave through each tender bite.

Home bakers love how easily these squares come together with simple ingredients.

The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish that makes every slice irresistible.

These squares work perfectly for afternoon tea, potlucks, or when you want a delightful treat that feels both nostalgic and special.

Grab your mixing bowl and let the baking adventure begin.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 276 kcal

Servings: 22

Ingredients Checklist forful Carrot Cake Squares with Creamy Frosting

• Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cake's tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Baking Soda: Neutralizes acidic ingredients and supports even rising.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that create depth and aromatic complexity.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, comforting flavor and enhances other ingredients.

• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color to the cake.
• Crushed Pineapple: Introduces tropical tanginess and helps keep the cake moist.
• Walnuts: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, smooth base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for perfect spreading.

Tools That Help withful Carrot Cake Squares with Creamy Frosting

• Mixing Bowls: Large, medium sizes for dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, beating frosting.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: Rectangular pan for baking cake squares.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements for ingredients.
• Wire Rack: Helps cake cool evenly after baking.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients, spread batter and frosting.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by inserting into center.
• Grater: For preparing fresh carrots.

How to Makeful Carrot Cake Squares with Creamy Frosting

• Baking Preparation Warm up your kitchen by preheating the oven and getting your baking pan ready for a delicious transformation.
• Dry Ingredient Blend Create a magical powder mixture of flour and spices that will give your cake incredible depth and warmth.
• Buttery Base Whip up a creamy foundation by blending butter and sugars until they become light and dreamy.
• Egg and Flavor Fusion Gently introduce eggs and vanilla, creating a silky smooth mixture that promises delectable texture.
• Batter Creation Carefully fold together wet and dry ingredients, watching them dance into a harmonious cake batter.
• Texture Treasures Lovingly mix in carrots, pineapple, and optional nutty companions, distributing them evenly for surprise bursts of flavor.
• Baking Magic Pour the batter into your waiting pan and let the oven work its transformative powers, filling your space with irresistible aromas.
• Frosting Fantasy Whip cream cheese into a cloud-like topping that will make your cake shine with creamy elegance.
• Final Flourish Generously spread the frosting and slice into tempting squares that will make everyone smile.

Toppings & Add-ins forful Carrot Cake Squares with Creamy Frosting

• Baking Hacks and Flavor Twists
• Squeeze excess liquid from crushed pineapple to prevent soggy cake and maintain perfect texture.
• Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch and nutty flavor profile.
• Boost warming spices by adding a pinch of cardamom or increasing cinnamon for deeper flavor complexity.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut or finely chopped nuts on top of frosting for extra visual appeal and textural contrast.

Serveful Carrot Cake Squares with Creamy Frosting with Style

• Serve Fresh and Vibrant: Pair these carrot cake squares with a cool glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful treat.
• Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or fresh orange zest on top of the frosted squares to add extra texture and flavor.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the squares alongside other sweet treats like chocolate truffles or fresh berries for a stunning dessert presentation that will impress guests.
• Pack for Picnics: Wrap individual squares in parchment paper for an easy, portable dessert perfect for outdoor gatherings or lunch box treats.

Storeful Carrot Cake Squares with Creamy Frosting Without Fuss

• Maximize Freshness: Store carrot cake squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping the delightful texture and flavor intact.
• Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: Extend the cake's life by storing in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Future Treats: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy a sweet moment anytime you crave a delicious slice.
• Thaw with Care: Remove frozen carrot cake squares from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Moist Carrot Cake Squares With Tangy Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

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Description

Homemade carrot cake squares provide a delectable dessert experience with rich spices and smooth cream cheese frosting. Sweet layers combine classic ingredients, promising comfort and satisfaction for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) grated carrots
• ½ cup (120 ml) crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup (120 ml) chopped walnuts (optional)
• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) baking powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
• 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium bowl, eliminating potential lumps.
3. Butter-Sugar Transformation: Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and airy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring thorough incorporation. Mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Batter Construction: Delicately fold sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a smooth, consistent texture.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts, distributing evenly throughout the batter for maximum taste complexity.
7. Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway through cooking.
8. Doneness Verification: Check cake’s readiness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
9. Cooling and Frosting Preparation: Allow cake to cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, whip cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
10. Final Assembly: Once cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the cake’s surface using an offset spatula. Slice into uniform squares and serve at room temperature, storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, spices, and sugar to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
• Mix Gently: Fold ingredients carefully to maintain a light, tender crumb and prevent dense, tough cake squares.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Toothpick test is crucial – a few moist crumbs are okay, but wet batter means more baking time needed.
• Chill for Best Flavor: Let cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and achieve clean, smooth frosting application.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 221 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg