Carrot Cake Blondies

Carrot Cake Blondies: A Sweet Indulgence

There’s something irresistibly comforting about carrot cake blondies that evokes warm memories of cozy family gatherings and playful afternoons. Each bite is a luscious combination of soft, gooey textures mingling with the nostalgic notes of your favorite carrot cake. Made with simple ingredients that transform into a delightful dessert, these blondies are perfect for a quick treat or an indulgent weekend baking session. Plus, they’re kid-friendly, making them an ideal choice for all ages. So, fire up those ovens, and let’s create something truly mouthwatering with these carrot cake blondies!

Are you ready to indulge your sweet tooth with a twist on a classic?

Have you ever found yourself craving something sweet, yet nostalgic? Picture biting into a square of moist, dense carrot cake blondies—each piece drizzled with rich cream cheese frosting, leaving behind a trail of sweetness that begs for seconds. These blondies are not just any dessert; they are a heartfelt hug baked into a delicious treat. Can you imagine that blissful moment when you share them with friends and family, each bite sparking joy and laughter?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With minimal cooking time and a simple preparation method, these blondies can be made in under an hour.
• Nostalgic Flavor: These desserts evoke warm memories of traditional carrot cake, but with a twist that feels refreshing and novel.
• Kid-Friendly: The carrot flavor is subtle, and the sweetness is just right, making these blondies perfect for children (and adults too!).
• You Can Customize: Feel free to play around with mix-ins like chocolate chips or different nuts for a unique dessert every time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or family gathering, these blondies will be the star of the dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (plus additional for topping)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Each ingredient contributes to the irresistible pull of these carrot cake blondies. Imagine the sweet aroma as the brown sugar melts into buttery goodness, or the delightful crunch of nuts nestled within the moist blondie. Adding grated carrots enhances your senses with a subtle sweetness, while a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg envelops your kitchen with a cozy fragrance.

Timing

These carrot cake blondies are a fast, indulgent treat that can be baked and ready to serve in just about 40 minutes. The prep time is quick, allowing you to dive into the deliciousness without extensive waiting. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, and it can easily dissolve into a luxurious, indulgent moment when you take that first gooey bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined, creating a creamy texture that feels indulgent.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and luscious.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Feel the soft grains of flour as you gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.

5. Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and pineapple (if using) until just blended, ensuring that vibrant flecks of orange and crunchy texture distribute evenly.

6. Pour the vibrant batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly, imagining how delectable it will taste once baked to perfection.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing the rich aroma of warm spices to fill the air.

8. Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. While the blondies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy—think of clouds of sweetness!

10. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until everything is combined and ooey-gooey.

11. Once the blondies have completely cooled, spread the rich cream cheese frosting over the top, letting it drip decoratively for an appealing finish.

12. Garnish with additional chopped nuts, cut them into squares, and enjoy every indulgent bite!

Nutritional Information

Each carrot cake blondie contains approximately 200-250 calories, providing a delightful indulgence that can fit into your dessert plans. Since we’re adding healthy grated carrots and nuts, balance it with those occasional sweet hits when you feel like treating yourself. Remember, indulging doesn’t have to mean overindulging—enjoy in moderation!

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking for healthier options without sacrificing flavor, consider the following swaps:

• Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or applesauce to reduce saturated fat and calories.
• You can also experiment with almond flour or whole wheat flour for additional nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

These carrot cake blondies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Ala mode: Serve warm and sliced, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
• Holiday Treat: These blondies are perfect for special occasions and holidays, bringing warmth and cheer to your gatherings.
• Coffee Companion: They make a lovely pairing with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, enhancing both beverages beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: This is the most common mistake—avoid dry blondies by checking them at the 25-minute mark.
• Texture issues: Mixing too much can lead to tough blondies. Aim for “just mixed” to keep them soft and gooey.
• Messy Pan: To avoid sticky disasters, make sure to grease or line your pan properly before pouring in the batter.

Storing Tips

• Freezing Portions: You can freeze these carrot cake blondies for up to three months. Slice them and store them in an airtight container with parchment between the layers.
• Reheating Instructions: Simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or let them sit at room temperature before enjoying to restore that gooey goodness.

Tempted to Bake It ASAP?

The carrot cake blondies are not just a dessert—they evoke cherished memories and fulfill those sweet cravings with each decadent bite. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all to yourself, these blondies are simply irresistible. Right now, take a moment to gather your ingredients and let the baking magic transport you into a world of sweet joy.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can successfully substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

2. How can I stack these blondies?
Let them cool completely and use parchment paper between stacks to prevent sticking.

3. Can I leave the nuts out?
Yes! Feel free to omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version.

4. How do I know when they’re done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can double the recipe and bake it in a larger baking pan for thicker blondies. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Now that you have everything you need to create these lovely carrot cake blondies, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Carrot Cake Blondies

Delicious and gooey carrot cake blondies drizzled with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for sweet indulgence and nostalgic flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 16 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 225

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Blondie Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (plus additional for topping)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional) Optional ingredient for added moisture.

Frosting Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and pineapple until just blended.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

1. While the blondies cool, mix the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
3. Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies and garnish with additional chopped nuts.

Notes

For healthier alternatives, consider using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar or reducing fat by replacing unsalted butter with coconut oil. These blondies can be frozen for up to three months.