Carrot Cake Blondies (with cinnamon cream cheese frosting)
There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of moist, spiced blondies and a luscious frosting that brings it all together. These Carrot Cake Blondies (with cinnamon cream cheese frosting) are the perfect treat for any occasion, be it a spring gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or just a weekday pick-me-up. The subtle sweetness of shredded carrots combined with warm spices creates a comforting dessert that’s hard to resist. Plus, when topped with a creamy cinnamon-infused frosting, these blondies become an irresistible indulgence.
Why I Love This Recipe
Carrot Cake Blondies are the perfect blend of flavors and textures. They bring the nostalgic taste of carrot cake into a fun, portable form. The blondies are dense yet tender, with the carrots adding a wonderful moisture that keeps them from drying out. The addition of cinnamon cream cheese frosting elevates these bars to a whole new level, making each bite a heavenly experience. Plus, they’re relatively easy to make, which means you can whip them up even on a busy day.
The Essentials
To create these delightful Carrot Cake Blondies (with cinnamon cream cheese frosting), you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This will help the blondies rise and achieve that perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A crucial ingredient that enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon – The warm spice that brings the flavor profile alive.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a subtle warmth and spiciness that complements the carrots.
- 1 cup (186g) all-purpose flour – The base of your blondies that gives them structure.
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and moisture.
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar – The source of sweetness and adds a slight caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup (94g) shredded carrots – The star ingredient that adds moisture and natural sweetness.
For the cinnamon cream cheese frosting, you will need:
- 1/2 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted – Creates a smooth texture for the frosting.
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened – The creamy base of the frosting.
- 2 cups (226g) powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it that beautiful, smooth consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – Adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Complements the blondies beautifully.
Appliances & Accessories
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk – Essential for mixing the batter and the frosting smoothly.
- Spatula – Great for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl and spreading frosting.
- 8×8 inch baking pan – The perfect size for baking these blondies.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a successful recipe.
- Cooling rack – For cooling the blondies evenly after baking.
Carrot Cake Blondies (with cinnamon cream cheese frosting): From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your blondies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Fold in Shredded Carrots
Gently fold in the shredded carrots to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 8: Bake the Blondies
Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 9: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and softened cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Finally, add the vanilla and cinnamon, mixing until incorporated.
Step 10: Frost the Blondies
Once the blondies have cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula.
Step 11: Slice and Serve
Cut the blondies into squares and enjoy! They can be served immediately or stored for later.
Dietary Customizations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives.
- Lower Sugar: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative.
- Add-ins: Consider adding chopped nuts or raisins for added texture.
Notes on Ingredients
For the finest flavor, use fresh spices and high-quality ingredients. Shredded carrots can be freshly grated or store-bought; just ensure they are not overly wet. You can also use pre-packaged shredded carrots to save time. If you want a more intense carrot flavor, consider adding a bit more shredded carrots to the batter.
Prep Ahead & Store
These Carrot Cake Blondies (with cinnamon cream cheese frosting) can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch and freeze them for later enjoyment. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving, and you can always freshen up the frosting if desired.
Quick Q&A
Can I make these blondies without eggs?
Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute for one egg in this recipe, or use a store-bought egg replacement.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?
You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or make a simple buttercream with just butter, powdered sugar, and cinnamon.
Can I add nuts to the blondies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch and complement the flavors wonderfully.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. Be careful not to overbake.
What to Make After This
- Classic Banana Bread – A moist and flavorful treat.
- Vanilla Cupcakes – Perfect for any celebration.
- 1-Bowl Chocolate Cake – Rich and decadent for chocolate lovers.
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – A timeless favorite.
Ready to Cook?
With the perfect balance of sweetness, spices, and creamy frosting, these Carrot Cake Blondies (with cinnamon cream cheese frosting) are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Enjoy every bite!
Carrot Cake Blondies (with cinnamon cream cheese frosting)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your blondies bake evenly.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan - Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients - In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Set aside.
- Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar - In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla - Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
- Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients - Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 7: Fold in Shredded Carrots - Gently fold in the shredded carrots to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Step 8: Bake the Blondies - Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Step 9: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting - In a mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and softened cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Finally, add the vanilla and cinnamon, mixing until incorporated.
- Step 10: Frost the Blondies - Once the blondies have cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula.
- Step 11: Slice and Serve - Cut the blondies into squares and enjoy! They can be served immediately or stored for later.
Notes
- For the finest flavor, use fresh spices and high-quality ingredients.
- Shredded carrots can be freshly grated or store-bought; ensure they are not overly wet.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for later enjoyment.
