Imagine biting into a treat that has all the cozy warmth of a classic carrot cake but with the ooey-gooey charm of a blondie. The Carrot Cake Blondies Recipe is exactly that magical combination you didn’t know you needed. It brings together shredded carrots, warm spices, and buttery sweetness in a dense, chewy bar that’s perfect for anytime snacking or sharing with friends. This recipe is a delightful twist on your everyday dessert, making carrot cake easier to grab and enjoy on the go without losing any of that full-flavored goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but mighty in their impact. Each one plays an important role in building the texture, bringing out the flavors, and adding moisture or a touch of spice that makes these blondies irresistible.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for a chewy blondie.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and a hint of molasses for richness.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings moisture, natural sweetness, and a lovely color.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Offers a warm spice that complements the carrot beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the moistness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aromatic depth that lifts the whole dessert.
How to Make Carrot Cake Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. Grease an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these first ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, which guarantees each bite gets a consistent blend of flavors and the lightest rise.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Take a large bowl and beat the melted butter with brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, blend in the egg and vanilla extract. This step is crucial for creating a luscious base that holds moisture and sweetness in every bite.
Step 4: Fold in Shredded Carrots
Gently fold the shredded carrots into the wet mixture, making sure they are evenly scattered. The carrots add that signature moist texture and a subtle sweetness, with a little pleasant bite hidden in between the dessert’s softness.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until everything comes together; avoid overmixing to keep your blondies tender and avoid any toughness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepped pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. After baking, let them cool completely for the best texture before slicing into squares.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
These blondies are fantastic on their own, but you can dress them up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an extra touch of indulgence. Chopped walnuts or a few toasted pecans on top add a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Carrot Cake Blondies Recipe with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience. They also complement a warm cup of chai tea or rich coffee beautifully, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the blondies into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a decorative platter for a party. You could even sandwich a layer of cream cheese frosting between two blondie squares for a mini dessert sandwich that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay moist and flavorful, making them perfect for a grab-and-go snack or a quick dessert fix.
Freezing
You can freeze the blondies for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
Warm the blondies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and bring back those cozy flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend that is a 1:1 replacement for regular flour. Just be mindful that the texture might be a bit different, but still delicious.
Do I need to peel the carrots before shredding?
It’s not necessary to peel the carrots unless the skins are tough or dirty. Just wash them well before shredding to keep things simple and add that natural carrot flavor.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins is a great idea and can add some extra texture and flavor that complements the carrot blondies nicely.
How do I know when the blondies are done?
They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The top should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.
Is it possible to make these dairy-free?
Sure! You can swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, which will still give you that lovely moist texture and rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Carrot Cake Blondies Recipe blends all the best parts of a traditional carrot cake into a simple bar you’ll find yourself making again and again. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself whenever a sweet, cozy treat calls your name. Trust me, once you try these blondies, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite recipes to pull out any time you want to brighten your day with a comforting bite.
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Carrot Cake Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Carrot Cake Blondies are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, packed with shredded carrots, warm cinnamon, and a moist, tender texture. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, these blondies bake up soft and flavorful with a rich buttery base and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Other
- 1 cup shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated and the mixture is well blended.
- Add Carrots: Fold the shredded carrots into the wet mixture evenly to ensure every bite has moisture and flavor from the carrots.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the blondies tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to ensure a tender crumb.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
- Make sure the shredded carrots are squeezed dry if very wet to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
