Orange creamsicle bars are a taste of pure nostalgia! The easy dessert bars have orange zest, a chewy texture and the best white chocolate orange glaze. No mixer is needed and they bake in an 8x8 pan. Then a simple ganache ties together this citrusy orange and creamy vanilla dream bar. They will make your inner child smile!

Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

As a busy mama and self taught baker, I find dessert bars super simple to make when you don’t have a lot of time. 

Much like my lemon blondies, you will love the soft and fudgy texture and the fact that the blondies mix up in one bowl without a mixer. The white chocolate ganache brings the creamy vanilla flavor and it does require another bowl. The flavor is just like the creamsicle flavor in my orange creamsicle cookies.

When little e taste tested a bar, her eyes rolled back and she said, “how do you make this taste just like an orange creamsicle popsicle?” I consider that a win! 

You can watch me create the EASY design on the creamy ganache topping in the video.

🍊 ingredients notes

• Oranges ~ for the best flavor, use fresh (washed and dried) oranges for the zest and orange juice. Orange zest provides a ton of flavor without adding extra liquid to the dessert bars recipe. Once the oranges are zested, squeeze them for the fresh juice. I used both navel oranges and honey bell oranges to test this recipe.
• Sugar ~ granulated or white sugar is needed to help the blondie bars shine with orange flavor, while confectioners’ sugar adds to the soft texture.  
• White chocolate ~ the white chocolate brings a big part of the creamy vanilla flavor. I tested using Ghirardelli white chocolate chips and a chopped block of Callebaut white chocolate. White chocolate chips are not created equal, so I cannot guarantee that any other brand of chips will work in this recipe.

🥣 how to make orange cream bars from scratch

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

In a medium to large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, confectioners' sugar and kosher salt until well combined. The mixture will get thick and it should take about 1 minute.

Then add the eggs and vanilla. Scrape up and down the bowl as needed and whisk until combined, about 1 minute.

Now add the orange juice and orange zest and whisk until well combined.

Next add the all-purpose flour and mix until the batter fully comes together.

Drop the batter (it’s thick) into the prepared baking pan and smooth to an even layer.

Bake until the edges have barely browned and a tester in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. It will be very light in color. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack.

Once the orange creamsicle bars are cool, make the white chocolate ganache icing.

Then smooth the icing over the cooled blondies and allow to set.

👩🏻‍🍳 tips for the best dessert bars

I know I am a broken record, but measure your ingredients correctly. I recommend the spoon and level method for measuring flour. Fluff the flour in its container, then spoon into a measuring cup and level it off with the flat side of a knife. For less dishes to wash, use a food scale this is the scale that I use and love. 

This recipe for orange cream bars makes chewy and fudgy dessert bars. To create this texture, be sure to not over mix the batter and don’t over bake! It's better to err on the side of less done than over done. The bars will firm up and continue to cook as they cool. If you like a more soft, gooey center, bake for a minute or two less.

For the best creamsicle bars, I recommend baking in a light colored 8x8 baking pan. Dark pans absorb more heat and can cause the edges to burn while the middle is undercooked. Glass pans also distribute the heat differently and can have similar results to dark colored baking pans. If baking in glass, it’s recommended to lower the temperature by 25°F and bake for a few minutes longer.

Remember your oven is different from mine and the baking time may be slightly different. I use this oven thermometer to ensure my oven is at the temperature I think it is.  

Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Bars. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

📖 recipe

Print Recipe

Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Bars

Orange creamsicle bars are nostalgic treats with orange zest, chewy texture and citrusy white chocolate ganache icing.  No mixer needed!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

cooling time1 hour hr

Course: Dessert, Snacks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bar cookies

Servings: 16 bars

Calories: 185kcal

Author: Tasia

Ingredients

orange blondies

• ½ cup unsalted butter melted (113g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
• ½ cup confectioners' sugar (60g)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange juice (15mL)
• 2 tablespoons orange zest from 2 large oranges
• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour (157g)
• white chocolate orange ganache
• 4 ounces white chocolate* chopped small (114g)
• 2 ounces whipping cream** (60g)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest from one large orange

Instructions

orange blondies

• Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a medium to large bowl, whisk together the melted butter (½ cup/113g), granulated sugar (½ cup/100g), confectioners' sugar (½ cup/60g) and kosher salt (¼ teaspoon) until well combined. The mixture will get thick and it should take about 1 minute.
• Then add the eggs (2 large) and vanilla (1 teaspoon). Scrape up and down the bowl as needed and whisk until combined, about 1 minute.
• Now add the orange juice (1 tablespoon/15mL) and orange zest (2 tablespoons/from 2 large oranges) and whisk until well combined.
• Next add the all-purpose flour (1 ¼ cup/157g) and mix until the batter fully comes together.
• Drop the batter (it’s thick) into the prepared baking pan and smooth to an even layer.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges have barely browned and a tester in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. It will be very light in color. For a gooey texture, bake for 15 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack.

white chocolate orange ganache

• Add the white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (4 ounces/114g) to a glass or metal bowl and set aside. I've only tested this recipe with Ghirardelli white chocolate chips or a quality white chocolate baking bar.
• Heat the heavy cream (2 ounces/60g) in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s bubbling at the edges and is hot, but do not bring it to a boil. Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate and let it sit about two minutes before stirring it into a smooth ganache.*** Once most of the chocolate has melted into the ganache, add the orange zest (1 tablespoon) and continue stirring until smooth.
• Smooth the icing over the cooled blondies and allow to set.
• Then use the parchment to pull the bars out of the pan and cut into desired sizes.

Notes

Orange creamsicle bars will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature. They also freeze well for up to three months; allow to defrost before serving.

I recommend a light colored metal baking pan. If baking in a glass pan, it’s recommended to lower the temperature by 25°F and the bake time will also increase.

*This recipe was tested with Ghirardelli white chocolate chips and Callebaut white chocolate. Please know white chocolate baking chips are NOT created equally! I suspect Guittard and Trader Joe's white chocolate chips would work as a fine substitute, but I haven't tested them. Chopped white chocolate baking bars can also be used.

**Use whipping cream or heavy cream with a minimum of 30% fat.

***If the white chocolate ganache does not become completely smooth, the cream was likely not hot enough. Place the bowl over a simmering pot of water, being careful to not get any water in the ganache and rewarm it, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth.

If you only have salted butter, eliminate the kosher salt.

If you only have table salt, start with half the amount of salt.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 bar | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 268IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

These decadent, Irish cream brownies are rich and fudgy.  Layered with a subtle hint of liqueur that makes every bite feel a bit special.  They come together with melted butter, milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips.  With about 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes to bake, they are easy to prepare.  The hardest part is waiting for them to cool so you can add a thick layer of Baileys Irish Cream frosting!  If you love a really good brownie recipe that is made from scratch, this one is going to steal your heart.

This post was originally published in March of 2019 and has been updated with helpful success tips and new photos. The recipe remains the same, although the preparation has been simplified.

Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The brownie base is deeply chocolatey and perfectly chewy with just enough Baileys to add flavor without being overwhelming. And the dreamy frosting is creamy and made without cream cheese so the Irish cream flavor can truly shine. It’s the kind of brownie dessert that feels bakery-worthy, but comes together easily in your own kitchen.

Since I know you are busy, like me, I simplified the preparation from the original version. Simple = less dishes to wash and I think we can all get on board with that! So whether you are baking for St. Patrick’s Day, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself on a random Tuesday, these Baileys brownies are a classic with a grown up spin.

When I am baking these Baileys brownies, it often makes me lean into all the Irish inspired treats. I’ll mix up a batch of no chill St. Patrick’s Day sugar cookies, something with a little festive sparkle, while the brownies cool on the counter. And Irish soda bread muffins are close behind. They are quick and hearty and perfect with a smear of butter and a cup of coffee. If I am really into it, I'll also make these Baileys Cupcakes. Before I know it, I’ve got a cozy little spread just ready to be shared!

🛒 ingredients for homemade brownies that shine

This recipe is an adaptation from Ina Garten’s outrageous brownies with a boozy twist! 

Ina’s recipe is a bit overwhelming on the chocolate for me. I find using more milk chocolate helps to balance the richness.

Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

Chocolate ~ using melted chocolate creates a dense and fudgy crumb.  Use a milk chocolate baking bar. I like Callebaut, Ghiradhelli and Trader Joe’s pound plus.  Semi-sweet chocolate chips also get mixed into the batter for more richness.

Irish cream liqueur ~ adds depth and flavor to the brownies. I use Baileys or Carolans.  The liqueur is used in both the brownies and frosting.

🍫 how to make in photos

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper. Butter the parchment paper and set aside.  Alternatively, you can butter and flour your 9x9 pan, but parchment paper is my preferred method.

Melt together the butter, 2 ounces of semisweet chocolate, 6 ounces of milk chocolate and kosher salt in a medium bowl over simmering water. I find melting the butter first and then adding the chocolate works best.

Once the butter and chocolate mixture is removed from the simmering water, add the Irish cream liquor and mix well. Allow to cool slightly.

Add the sugar, eggs and vanilla and stir together with a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir in the butter and melted chocolate mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.

Now add the baking powder and stir to combine. Then add ½ cup of flour and combine.

In a small bowl, toss the semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of the flour. (This step helps keep the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the batter). Then add the chocolate chip/flour mixture to the chocolate batter.

Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Drop the pan on the counter a couple times to release any air bubbles.

Bake for 20 minutes, then drop the baking sheet against the oven shelf to force air to escape from between the pan and brownie batter. Bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Be careful not to overbake.

Cool completely. If you need to speed the cooling process, once the pan has cooled enough that you can pick it up bare-handed, you can place the pan in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.

🥣 how to make Irish cream frosting 

With the paddle attachment on a stand mixer, or with a hand-held mixer, cream the butter for 2-3 minutes.

Scrape up and down the sides of your bowl and add one cup/120g of the confectioners' sugar. Mix on low speed until all the sugar is incorporated. Turn the mixer up to medium high and beat for about 1 minute. Scrape up and down the sides of the bowl again.

Add the second cup of confectioners' sugar/120g and 3 tablespoons of Irish Cream liquor. Mix on low speed until thoroughly incorporated and then beat on medium high to high for about 2 minutes more, until buttercream is light and fluffy. 

Then spread the frosting over the cooled Irish cream brownies.

✨ few tips for success 

Chop the chocolate into fine pieces (I like using a serrated knife) so it melts more quickly.

Remember your oven is different from mine and baking times may vary slightly. If you want fudgy brownies, don’t over bake them!

Chilled brownies are easier to cut into pretty slices.  Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.

Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these Fudgy Irish Cream Brownies. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking! 

If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

📖 recipe

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Fudgy Irish Cream Brownies

Easy Irish Cream brownies made from scratch with Baileys Irish Cream liqueur and topped with a creamy frosting. Fudgy, indulgent and irresistible!

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time28 minutes mins

Cooling Time1 hour hr

Course: Dessert, Snacks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 25 brownies

Calories: 287kcal

Author: Tasia

Ingredients

Irish Cream Brownies:

• ½ pound unsalted butter (226g)
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (227g) divided
• 6 ounces milk chocolate (170g) chopped
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅓ cup Irish Cream liquor such as Baileys or Carolans
• 3 large or extra large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (225g)
• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (62g + 16g) divided
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

Irish Cream Buttercream:

• ¼ pound unsalted butter (113g) room temperature
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar (240g)
• 3 tablespoons Irish Cream liquor (45mL)

Instructions

To make the Irish Cream Brownies

• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper. Butter the parchment paper and set aside.  Alternatively, you can butter and flour your 9x9 pan, but parchment paper is my preferred method.
  
• Melt together the butter (1 cup/226g), 2 ounces of semisweet chocolate, 6 ounces of milk chocolate and kosher salt (½ teaspoon) in a medium bowl over simmering water. I find melting the butter first and then adding the chocolate works best. Once the butter and chocolate mixture is removed from the simmering water, add the Irish cream liquor and mix well. Allow to cool slightly.
• Add the sugar (1 cup+2 tablespoons/225g), eggs (3 large or extra large) and vanilla (1 tablespoon) and stir together with a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir in the butter and melted chocolate mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.
• Now add the baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons) and stir to combine. Then add the ½ cup of flour and combine with your wooden spoon or spatula.
• In a small bowl, toss 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons /16g of the flour. (This step helps keep the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the batter). Then add the chocolate chip/flour mixture to the chocolate batter.
• Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Drop the pan on the counter a couple times to release any air bubbles.
• Bake for 20 minutes, then drop the baking sheet against the oven shelf to force air to escape from between the pan and brownie batter. Bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Be careful not to overbake.
• Cool completely. If you need to speed the cooling process, once the pan has cooled enough that you can pick it up bare-handed, you can place the pan in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
• Once fully cooled, frost with the Irish Cream Buttercream.

To make the Irish Cream Buttercream:

• With the paddle attachment on a stand mixer, or with a hand-held mixer, cream the butter (½ cup/113g) for 2-3 minutes. Scrape up and down the sides of your bowl and add one cup/120g of the confectioners' sugar. Mix on low speed until all the sugar is incorporated. Turn mixer up to medium high and beat for about 1 minute. Scrape up and down the sides of the bowl again.
• Add the second cup of confectioners' sugar/120g and 3 tablespoons of Irish Cream liquor. Mix on low speed until thoroughly incorporated and then beat on medium high to high for about 2 minutes more, until buttercream is light and fluffy. Then spread the frosting over the cooled Irish cream brownies.
• I like to refrigerate the brownies once frosted to allow the bars and buttercream to firm up. Once cold, use a sharp knife to cut into desired size squares. I find using a sharp knife and wiping the knife clean between cuts give you neat and even cuts.

Notes

I like to refrigerate the brownies after frosted to allow the bars and buttercream to firm up.

Once cold, use a sharp knife to cut into desired size squares. I find using a sharp knife and wiping the knife clean between cuts give you neat and even cuts.

I store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  The Irish cream brownies also freeze well for up to three months.

Recipe adapted from Ina Garten’s Outrageous Brownies

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 373IU | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

Iced oatmeal bars are soft, chewy and super simple to make.  Made with quick oats, melted butter, brown sugar and a touch of molasses and cinnamon for a classic light spice flavor.  Then frosted with a thin layer of vanilla icing.  This cookie bar recipe uses an 8x8 pan, takes 10 minutes of prep time and bakes in about 18 minutes.  

Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pure nostalgia vibes! As a busy mom and home baker, I'm always looking for simple recipes that don't take much time to prepare. These iced oatmeal cookie bars taste as fantastic as oatmeal cream pies or iced molasses cookies, but with less work.  Just mix the dough, spread into a pan and bake. The vanilla icing gives them that “something special”.

The homemade bars slice cleanly and travel well, making them perfect for bake sales, taking to parties or for lunchboxes.  The warm spices make this an inviting dessert any time of the year.  They are soft and chewy and a balance of cozy and indulgent.

Big E loves the Trader Joe’s iced oatmeal bars to throw in her backpack.  When she taste tested these cookie bars she exclaimed, “they taste like TJ's bars, but way better!”

🛒 ingredient notes and substitutions

The iced oatmeal cookie bar dough comes together quickly and easily with a bowl and melted butter.  Once cool, they get frosted with an easy vanilla icing.  The icing dries firm, allowing the cookie bars to be stacked.

Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

Oats ~ this recipe uses quick oats, which help with the soft and chewy texture. If you only have old-fashioned oats, give them a blitz in a food processor to make them a bit smaller.

Molasses ~ I use Wholesome organic molasses. It is darker in color than many brands. Grandma's is the other brand I have used.  Please avoid blackstrap molasses as it is too bitter for this cookie bar recipe.

🥣 how to make these easy cookie bars

Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.

In a medium to large bowl, melt the butter. Allow it to cool for about a minute. Add the brown sugar and kosher salt and whisk until fully combined.

Then whisk in the egg, vanilla and molasses.

Add the cinnamon and quick oats and stir to combine.

Then add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Now mix it all together with a spatula until combined.

Drop the blondie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly in the pan. An off-set spatula is helpful.

Bake for about 16 - 18 minutes, until the edges have slightly browned and are firm. If tested with a toothpick, it should have some moist crumbs stuck to it.

Allow the oatmeal bars to cool completely in the pan before icing.

Once the bars are cool, mix confectioners' sugar, vanilla and milk together in a small bowl until a thick icing is created. I usually need an additional ¼ teaspoon of milk to reach a thick, spreadable consistency.

Then spoon the icing over the cooled oatmeal bars and spread in a thin layer, leaving some bits of cookie bar showing through. Allow the icing to set, then cut and serve.

🫙 how to store 

Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container, they will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days.

The iced oatmeal bars can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Freeze in an airtight container.

Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these Simple Iced Oatmeal Bars. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

📖 recipe

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Simple Iced Oatmeal Bars

Soft, chewy iced oatmeal bars made in an 8x8 pan with quick oats, brown sugar, molasses and cinnamon; topped with vanilla icing.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time18 minutes mins

Total Time28 minutes mins

Course: Bars and Brownies

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bar cookies, blondies, iced oatmeal bars, oatmeal bars

Servings: 16 cookie bars

Calories: 158kcal

Author: Tasia

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter melted (113g)
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar 150g
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon molasses 15mL
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup quick oats 90g
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 125g

vanilla icing

• ⅓ cup confectioners' sugar 40g
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ tablespoon milk + ¼ teaspoon

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a medium to large bowl, melt the butter (you can do this on the stove or microwave). Allow it to cool for about a minute. Add the brown sugar (¾ cup/150g) and kosher salt (½ teaspoon) and whisk until fully combined, then whisk in the egg (1 large), vanilla (1 tablespoon) and molasses (1 tablespoon).
• Add the cinnamon (1 teaspoon) and quick oats (1 cup/90g) and stir to combine.
• Then add the all-purpose flour (1 cup/125g) to the wet ingredients. Now mix it all together with a spatula until combined.
• Drop the blondie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly in the pan. An off-set spatula is helpful.
• Bake for about 16 - 18 minutes, until the edges have slightly browned and are firm. If tested with a toothpick, it should have some moist crumbs stuck to it. Allow the oatmeal bars to cool completely in the pan before icing.
• Once the bars are cool, mix confectioners' sugar (⅓ cup/40g), vanilla (¼ teaspoon) and milk (½ tablespoon) together in a small bowl until a thick icing is created. I usually need an additional ¼ teaspoon milk to reach a thick, spreadable consistency.
• Then spoon the icing over the cooled oatmeal bars and spread in a thin layer, leaving some bits of cookie bar showing through. Allow the icing to set, then cut and serve.

Notes

Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container, they will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days.

The iced oatmeal bars can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Freeze in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 193IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

This quick recipe for carrot cake blondies makes the best bars!  They are soft and chewy and perfectly spiced. Topped with a simple cream cheese frosting (with brown butter, if you like).  The blondies are everything you love about carrot cake, but in a fudgy blondie bar.  15 minute prep time and the hardest part is waiting for them to cool so you can dig in!

Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I’ve been making blondie bars for decades (currently crushing on these almond flour blondies).  As a busy mama and self taught baker, I adore a delish quick dessert recipe.  You will simply mix the batter, spread in the pan and bake.  Once cool, top with cream cheese frosting.

Carrot cake is one of Big E’s favorites, which is why I have a carrot bundt cake and carrot cake sandwich cookies already on the blog.  I know you are busy and want desserts that are quick and easy.  The blondies mix in one bowl (you will need another bowl for the cream cheese frosting) and have all the flavors of classic carrot cake in an easy to share bar form.

🥕 ingredients that make these blondie bars work

I used my birthday cake blondies as a jumping off place for this recipe. Then I added spices for carrot cake. We like our desserts without nuts, but feel free to add them, if that is your thing. In the initial tests, I made a cream cheese frosting, which is classic for carrot cake. If you want to take it up a notch, make brown butter cream cheese frosting instead!

Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

• Grated carrots ~ grate the carrots on a box grater {this is the one I use in my kitchen}. To measure, use a kitchen scale (this is the one I use) or pack the grated carrots into the measuring cup. Once you've measured the grated carrots, place them between some paper towels and blot them to remove most of the moisture.
• Spices ~ ground cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg add some depth to the flavor of these carrot cake blondies. 
• Brown sugar ~ my testers preferred the richness that dark brown sugar brings to these blondie bars. If you only have light brown sugar, that works too.

🥣 how to make in photos

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper. (If wanting brown butter cream cheese frosting, brown the butter now. Instructions for the frosting start at #8 in the recipe card).

Grate the carrots using the small holes on a box grater. Then lay between paper towels and blot out most of the moisture.

In a medium to large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, packed brown sugar and kosher salt until well combined.

Then add in the eggs and vanilla. Scrape up and down the bowl as needed and whisk until combined. Now add the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and whisk to combine.

Next add the all-purpose flour and mix with a spatula until some large flour streaks remain. Then add the grated and dried carrots and gently fold them into the blondie dough until combined.

Drop the batter (it’s thick) into the prepared baking pan and smooth to an even layer.

Bake for 25 - 35 minutes or until the edges have lightly browned and a tester in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. You do not want a clean/dry tester, which means the blondies are over baked.

Allow to cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack before covering with cream cheese frosting. (If you want to speed up the cooling process, place the pan in the refrigerator once you can pick it up with bare hands).

🧈 simple brown butter cream cheese frosting

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand held mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium-high until creamy. 

Then add the room temperature butter OR solidified brown butter and beat on medium-high until combined and creamy.

Scrape up and down the bowl, then the confectioners’ sugar.  Mix on low until the sugar is incorporated, then add the vanilla and beat on medium high until the buttercream is smooth.

Spread the frosting over the fully cooled carrot cake blondies. If you would like a thinner layer of cream cheese frosting, cut the recipe in half.

🆘 troubleshooting tips

Blot the grated carrots to remove most of the moisture before adding them to the cookie dough. For this recipe, pack the carrots into the measuring cup or use the weight measurement. Measure or weigh them BEFORE removing the moisture.

Don't be tempted to use prepackaged shredded carrots, they can often be too thick or too wet.

This quick and easy carrot cake blondies recipe makes blondies with a brownie-like texture.  To create this texture, don’t over bake! If you like a more gooey center, bake them a minute or two less.  If you prefer a firmer, more cake-like texture, bake a minute or two longer.

For the best blondie bars, I recommend baking in a light colored 8x8 baking pan.  Dark pans absorb more heat and can cause the edges to burn while the middle is undercooked.  

Glass pans also distribute the heat differently and can have similar results to dark colored baking pans.  If baking in glass, it’s recommended to lower the temperature by 25°F and bake for a few minutes longer.

Remember your oven is different from mine and the baking time may be slightly different. I use this oven thermometer to ensure my oven is at the temperature I think it is. 

🫙how to store

Carrot cake blondies will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

The blondie bars can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months.  Freeze in an airtight container and allow to defrost before serving.

Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these soft and chewy Carrot Cake Blondies. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

📖 recipe

Print Recipe

Soft and Chewy Carrot Cake Blondies

Quick carrot cake blondies; soft, chewy, spiced bars with cream cheese frosting. All the flavor of carrot cake in a fudgy blondie.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Cooling Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course: Bars and Brownies

Cuisine: American

Keyword: blondie bars, blondies, brown butter, carrot cake, cream cheese frosting

Servings: 16 bar cookies

Calories: 312kcal

Author: Tasia

Ingredients

carrot cake blondies

• ¾ cup packed grated carrots* (100g) - pat them dry with paper towels
• ¾ cup unsalted butter melted (170g)
• 1 ½ cups packed dark brown sugar** (300g)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour (219g)

cream cheese frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature (113g)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter room temperature OR browned and solidified (4 tablespoons/56g)
• 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar (180g)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

• For the blondies: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper. (If wanting brown butter cream cheese frosting, brown the butter now. Instructions for the frosting start at #8)
• Grate the carrots (¾ cup/100g/about 2 carrots) using the small holes on a box grater. Then lay between paper towels and blot out most of the moisture.
• In a medium to large bowl, whisk together the melted butter (¾ cup/170g), packed brown sugar (1 ½ cups/300g) and kosher salt (½ teaspoon) until well combined.
• Then add in the eggs (2 large), and vanilla (2 teaspoons). Scrape up and down the bowl as needed and whisk until combined, about 1 minute. Now add the cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons), ginger (½ teaspoon) and nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) and whisk to combine.
• Next add the all-purpose flour (1 ¾ cup/219g) and mix with a spatula until some large flour streaks remain. Then add the grated and dried carrots (¾ cup/100g/approximately 2 carrots) and gently fold them into the blondie dough until combined.
• Drop the batter (it’s thick) into the prepared baking pan and smooth to an even layer.
• Bake for 25 - 35 minutes or until the edges have lightly browned and a tester in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. You do not want a clean/dry tester, which means the blondies are over baked. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack. (If you want to speed up the cooling process, place the pan in the refrigerator once you can pick it up with bare hands).
• For the cream cheese frosting: If wanting to brown the butter, place the cut cubes of cold unsalted butter (¼ cup/4 tablespoons/56g) into a light colored sauce pan and place over medium heat and let it cook until small brown flakes form. You will want to stir or swirl the pan frequently after the butter has fully melted to keep it from burning. The butter will foam and bubble up along the process, just keep stirring/swirling and move the foam aside from time to time to check the color. The butter will turn an amber/brown color and will smell nutty and toasted when it's ready; it should take about 5-8 minutes.  Pour melted butter and all the browned bits into a small heatproof bowl and place in the refrigerator. You want the brown butter solidified before making the frosting.
• Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand held mixer, beat the cream cheese (4 ounces/113g) on medium-high until creamy, about 1 minute.  Then add the room temperature butter OR solidified brown butter (¼ cup/4 tablespoons/56g) and beat on medium-high until combined and creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Scrape up and down the bowl, then the confectioners’ sugar (1 ½ cups/180g).  Mix on low until the sugar is incorporated, then add the vanilla (1 teaspoon) and beat on medium high for another 1-3 minutes until the buttercream is smooth. 
• Spread the frosting over the fully cooled carrot cake blondies.
• Then use the parchment to pull the bars out of the pan and cut into desired sizes. For the cleanest slices, chill the blondies with cream cheese frosting before slicing.

Notes

*If using cups to measure, make sure the grated carrots are packed into the measuring cup. Once they have been measured, lay the grated carrots on paper towels and blot them until most of the moisture is removed.

*I prefer dark brown sugar, but light brown also works.

If desired, up to ½ cup of nuts can be added (add them with the carrots). Pecans or walnuts would both be good choices.

Carrot cake blondies will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. They also freeze well for up to three months; allow to defrost before serving.

I recommend a light colored metal baking pan; glass can take up to double the amount of baking time and can cause the edges to over brown or burn while the middle is still raw. If you only have a glass pan, reduce the oven heat by 25° and know it may take a bit longer to bake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 bar | Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 1482IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg