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Love Carrot Cake? Then you’ll love these Carrot Cake Brownies! Chocolate meets spice in this delicious fudgy Springtime treat!
So you all know how my husband is with all the desserts I make, right? Like:
Me: “Hey honey! I made scones for breakfast today! Want one?”
Him: “Um, no. That’s fine. I’ll stick with my bran flakes.”
Or,
Jordan: “Daaaaaaad, you haaaaave to have some of my Chocolate Mint Poke Cake birthday cake! It’s my birthday!”
Him: “Okay, I’ll have a bite.” {As he proceeds to get a fork and have a bite. ONE bite.}
Or,
Me: “Oooh, I made truffle brownie pops today! Want one?”
Him: “Nah. I’ll just have my Weight Watcher’s Brownie, but thanks!”
Seriously, I’m not kidding. Or exaggerating.
{Don’t get me wrong – I love and envy his willpower. But, really. Married to a dessert blogger? It’s comical, really.}
But I know his weakness. His one, single, solitary weakness: Carrot Cake.
If I make carrot cake he has to have some. It’s a compulsion. Like I am when I make…well when I make anything.
I like making carrot cake into things. So he has to try them. I’ve made cinnamon rolls. And cake pops. And pie.
And now? Now I’ve really gone and done it. I’ve made Carrot Cake Brownies. Oh yes, I did.
And he couldn’t resist them. He even told me they were “really, really good!”
Not “too sweet”.
Not “too rich”.
I got a “Really, really good.”
And they are! Really, really good!
I took my zucchini brownies (the same ones I used as a base for the vegan brownies) and turned them into Spring’s newest favorite chocolate treat.
It’s a rich chocolate brownie that is infused with the spice flavors of carrot cake: cinnamon and ground ginger. And carrots, of course. Don’t be scared of the carrots in the brownies, really. They aren’t overwhelming. Think of a carrot cake – is all you taste the carrots? The carrots in these brownies really give a little texture and a hint of carrot cake flavor. The cinnamon and ground ginger really go the extra mile. It’s like magic being paired with the chocolate.
{Yes, I know there aren’t any raisins or pineapple in these. I can’t stand those things in regular carrot cake (or in life, for that matter) so they aren’t in the brownies. But, you could totally add some nuts and raisins if that floats your boat!}
And, well. Carrot cake and cream cheese frosting are, like, married. So, as amazing as these were plain, I decided to give some of them a cream cheese drizzle. I was too lazy to make a full cream cheese frosting, so this glaze was perfect. With or without it though, these are some of my favorite brownies ever. Seriously!
And, like, my husband loved them. That’s endorsement enough!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 ounces room temperature cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x9” pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Stir together oil, sugar, and egg. Stir in vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon, salt and ground ginger. Slowly stir in flour. Stir in grated carrots.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake 25-28 minutes. Cool before frosting.
- To make frosting: Whisk cream cheese and powdered sugar. (If your cream cheese is too hard to whisk, you can use a hand mixer.) Add milk and vanilla. Drizzle over brownies. Note: glaze will not harden much, so don't stack them!
If you love Carrot Cake treats, you should head on over to Something Swanky today. Turns out, she was posting carrot cake goodies tonight too! Head on over and check out her Carrot Cake Poke Cake. In true Ashton form, it’s fabulous!
Other Carrot Cake Goodness:
Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cupcakes
Sweets from friends:
Carrot Cake Muddy Buddies by Something Swanky
Carrot Cake Ice Cream by Kitchen Meets Girl
Carrot Cake Donuts by Inside BruCrew Life
This post may be linked to: Chef in Training, Lil’ Luna, Buns In My Oven, Chic-and-Crafty, I’m Lovin’ it Fridays, Strut your Stuff Saturday, Weekend Wrap Up Party, Sundae Scoop Link Party, and all of these too!
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Hi there! I’m Dorothy, the crazy gal behind the blog. If you didn’t already know, I’m crazy for crust…and cookies…and brownies…and pretty much
anything with sugar.
Oh, Mel and his healthy ways
Glad you were able to get him with these!!! (I get the same thing from Chris– Oh? Another wonderfully awesome Poke Cake? No, thanks. I only have 26 points left for today, so I’d better be careful.”
Ashton recently posted..Better Than Easter… Carrot Cake Poke Cake
Right, that would be Mel at, like 7pm. Gotta save ‘em for the weekend! LOL
Your husband has the same willpower mine has…it is infuriating at times! At least you have found your husband’s kryptonite
Mine won’t give up for anything!!! But that’s ok…more brownies for me. I love that you made brownies with carrots! They sound great!!!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted..Apple Snickers Cake
Thanks Jocelyn! We can eat our crazy sugar together while our husbands eat carrots.
My husband loves brownies..I wonder if he would notice the difference!
These look wonderful!
Thanks Julia!
What is with Men and their will power for no sweets?? I was at the grocery store with my hubby today and he made me put away trail mix. TRAIL MIX!! I thought I could pull one over him and say I wanted a nut medley, but he saw right through me since there was dark chocolate and white chocolate chips in it. Note to self — Husband is no longer allowed to grocery shop with me!
These brownies look great! Already pinned
Meghan @ The Tasty Fork recently posted..Fire Roasted Jalapeno Turkey Chili
LOL, sounds just like my husband! It’s annoying.
Thanks so much Meghan!
OOoooo…have you started that bag in the freezer with my name on it??? One of these could go in it. YUM!
Ha, these went fast!
I am SO EXCITED about this recipe!! My hubby isn’t normally a sweets guy, but loves carrot cake….and I’m all about brownies so this sounds PERFECT for us!!
Love the fun stories that you share along with your yummy eats btw 
Every stop at your blog is time well spent 
… Enjoy the rest of your week, Dorothy!
Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com recently posted..Enchiladas Cancun {Easy Cheesy Seafood Fiesta!}
Aw, thanks Brenda! That’s so sweet! I hope you love these like I did!
Happy almost Friday!
Brilliant! I have a weakness for Carrot Cake too. I recently made carrot cake muffins, but never thought of making them as brownies. I would eat an entire pan of these in no time!
Jennifer @ Mother Thyme recently posted..Creamy White Chicken Grilled Cheese
I would eat all those muffins! Thanks Jennifer!
Adding vegetables to any food makes them a breakfast food–love that!
Cindy Harris recently posted..Happy Birthday Scott
TOTALLY.
Thanks Cindy!
These look amazing!
I pinned for later!
I would love for you to join my Link Up!
http://www.pluckys-secondthought.com/pluckys-link-up-and-a-giveaway/
Jess recently posted..Lemon-Zucchini Bread with Lemon Glaze
Thanks Jess!
These have me so excited, I love carrot cake so I know I will love these for sure! Yummm
Thanks Kristi!
I love carrot cake and NEED these in my life
glad you hubby found them hard to resist. It is hard when they are on a whole different program than what we bake!
Diane {Created by Diane} recently posted..Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese
Yeah! My program is bake-eat-repeat. I wish I had a companion in that, lol. Thanks Diane!
Your story telling is exactly what I go through. Mine will eat whatever I make but if I ever ask would you LIKE me to make something, anything, just name it. Anything at all. I get…crickets. Nothing. No suggestions.
I am glad you have your hubby’s hot button with carrot cake! It looks delish!
Averie @ Averie Cooks recently posted..Hawaiian Bread and Maple Banana Baked French Toast
Get this: mine asks me to create a WW brownie. I’m serious! It’s in development, lol.
Oh wow these look perfect!! My boyfriend sounds just like your husband! He’s just like “Too sweet” or “No, I don’t want to try one, I’m fine!” I love brownies and carrot cake, but I don’t like raisins or anything in there either so I’ll definitely be making these!
Annie @ Annie’s Noms recently posted..Daring Baker’s Challenge: February – Flatbread
Thanks Annie! Yeah, raisins and me…*shudder* Much better without!
I have a weakness for carrot cake! And in brownies? OMG. Funny that your husband is that way with sweets. Mine is kinda that way with new dinners. So not adventurous. Me? I pretty much eat anything…
aimee @ shugarysweets recently posted..Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Oh, we aren’t very adventurous either, except me with my sugar. LOL Thanks Aimee!
I love carrot cake! I haven’t made it in so long – in any form! I am digging the brownies Dorothy! cinnamon, ground ginger, carrots… perfect! Carrot cake is my dad’s weakness too. And Kevin is very boring when it comes to savory foods (plain chicken and noodles – eww?), but luckily he has a sweet tooth like me!!
sally @ sallys baking addiction recently posted..45+ Peanut & Peanut Butter Recipes.
Thanks Sally! You’re lucky he’ll share with you!
How does he do it?! I would love to know his secret to resisting all of your delicious desserts. That’s too funny that his one weakness is Carrot Cake. While I love Carrot Cake, a lot of other desserts would make me weak in the knees wayyy quicker than carrot cake. I love that you made Carrot Cake Brownies! And the cream cheese drizzle makes them look and (I’m sure) taste amazing.
Elaine @ Cooking to Perfection recently posted..Skinny Strawberry Banana “Ice Cream”
I think if he could bottle his willpower, he could sell it and I’d be rich, lol! Thanks Elaine!
This looks SO good. I really like carrot cake but I need (or really want…) to bake a whole cake. Man, another thing to add to my things to make list. Mmm.
Melissa @ Bless this Mess recently posted..Skinny Macaroni and Cheese + a giveaway
I know, a whole cake? Then I’d just eat it! Thanks Melissa!
So your husband has amazing will power and his one weakness is VEGETABLES? This doesn’t seem fair. Luckily, my boyfriend has even less will power than me half the time– that way I only eat HALF a batch at most
Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies recently posted..Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Grilled Cheese
I wish! Jordan and I have no problem. It’s annoying really.
Hahaha oh Mel. I need to make Mel my dieting sensei. I could use some of his willpower in resisting 99% of the treats in my house or yours. Or in the world, since I am woefully powerless once I reach work and am surrounded by cheese. Don’t even get me started. Anyways, you know how I feel about carrot cake but omg, these look super good.
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel recently posted..Rainbow Chip Cookie Cake
I know! He needs to like, hold classes or something. It’s freaky weird, like a super power!
Wow Dorothy, that man has some serious willpower skills. I think I could learn a lot from him
But brownies in carrot cake form. Looks like I have a lot to learn too of mighty warrior of desserts. They look fantastic and I’m not even a fan of carrot cake.
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} recently posted..Sugar Cookie Bars
I wish I could learn willpower from him! He wields it like a super power!
What a fantastic idea, Dorothy! NO ONE could resist them:)
Sue {munchkin munchies} recently posted..{Bunny} Cookies and Milk
Thanks Sue!
I absolutely love both carrot cake AND brownies, but I have never thought to combine the two. It sounds like a winner, in my book!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted..WIAW: February 27, 2013
Thanks Hannah!
I don’t get your husband. I can’t have one bite of anything!!! You did a smashing job with this brownie Dorothy! They aren’t your typical carrot cake batter, and I like that. It’s a nice change.
tanya recently posted..Kahlua and Cream Chocolate Mocha Cookies
Thanks Tanya! One bite? I don’t even know what that is!
I know I would love these…. since carrot cake is a fave of mine! Wish I could resist desserts as often as your hubby… I’d be a lot lighter!
Emily ~SoDomesticated~ recently posted..Cannellini and Sun Dried Tomato Bean Dip…
Oh, me too. Me too. Sigh.
Thanks Emily!
I could eat carrot cake everyday and I love baking it. I usually eat it with thick cream cheese on top. First time I see a recipe for the carrot cake brownies, that is interesting. Great pictures!
Helene recently posted..Shrimp Thai Curry
Thanks Helene!
These look absolutely fascinating!
Your husband’s willpower cracks me up. I can’t even keep chocolate chips in plain view because Scott will eat them all. He eats everything!
Kristin recently posted..There is…
Ha, that’s me in this equation!
My husband LOVES carrot cake..he would love if I made this recipe for him! Thanks so much for sharing:)
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} recently posted..Spicy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Thanks Shannon!
These look amazing! And yes, the cream cheese and carrot cake are married. 4-eva! <3
Shawn @ I Wash…You Dry recently posted..Oats ‘n’ Toffee Chocolate Squares
It’s the most perfect union!
My husband doesn’t eat sweets, like at all. Ever. What’s up with that? How is that even humanly possible? Is it a guy thing? Anyway, these carrot cake brownies are definitely MY thing–I love, love, love carrot cake, and these sound so good! LOVE! And thanks for including my carrot cake ice cream–yikes, my pictures have come a long way.
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl recently posted..Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Ha, I know how you feel – on all counts. Thanks Ashley!
I cant believe you combined carrot cake with brownies! I am gonna have to run to the store tonight to make these. They look so yummy!
Nicole @ youngbrokeandhungry recently posted..Chocolate Banana Breakfast Cookie
Thanks Nicole! I hope you love them as much as we did!
With all the tempting stuff that flies out of your kitchen, it’s even more impressive that your husband can resist! I know I couldn’t…
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen recently posted..Burgers with Sweet Potato Buns and Avocado Lime Mayo
I don’t! lol! Thanks Loretta!
Oh my heavens! Two of my favorite desserts rolled into one? I’ll take a dozen, please!
Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste recently posted..Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese
Thanks Kelly!
I had a period I could have eaten carrot cake every single day and since chocolate is my favorite food these carrot cake brownies will be in my oven soon. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into on!
Roxana | Roxana’s Home Baking recently posted..Chewy chocolate caramel bars
I hope you love it Roxana!!!
I love this idea!
Shiloh Barkley recently posted..Eastern NC BBQ
Thanks Shiloh!
I think we may have married the same man…. mine NEVER wants any of my desserts, but when it comes to carrot cake, I don’t have to ask twice!
The Partiologist recently posted..Thin Mints!
LOL! What is it with men?
carrot cake is the ONLY cake I eat – seriously it was my wedding cake
I am SO excited to try these
Heather @French Press recently posted..Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Breakfast Biscuits
YUM! Thanks Heather!
Oh yum, these look delicious! I love carrot cake, but always get put off when there are raisins in it, so these brownies sound perfect!
Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen recently posted..Banana Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting
Thanks Rosie! I don’t ever put raisins in…well…anything.
Awesome recipe! It seems so delicious!
Great post!! I included it in my post Βόλτα στη Γειτονιά #24
Have a great week!!
Taelia88 recently posted..Βόλτα στη Γειτονιά #24
Thank you Taelia!
I wish I had his will power… I definitely would not with these.
Meg @ Sweet Twist recently posted..Irish Cream Magic Bars
Ha! I never do Meg! Thanks!
I love carrot cake and these would be perfect for our neighborhood egg hunt! Thanks for sharing!
Take care,
Trish
Trish @ Uncommon recently posted..10 Carrot Ideas for Easter
Thanks Trish!
Oh, that is SO not fair!! I’m glad my husband eats everything I bake, but he doesn’t eat enough of it
These Brownies sound AWESOME
Lyuba@willcookforsmiles recently posted..Irish Tea Cake {#recipe}
LOL Lyuba! Thank you!
Ok, I could totally handle the carrots in these. Um, ya, I’d probably eat the whole batch {or at least half}. And what the heck is with guys these days? Mark has been trying to stay away from sugar, so now all of the sudden everything sweet I make is, and I quote, “From the Devil”
Rachel @{I Love} My Disorganized Life recently posted..Wicked Good Wednesdays #14
They’re too good at willpower. It’s not fair! LOL Thanks Rachel!
Oh wow, I might have to hit my husband if he had that much self control…These look so yummy and I have a friends mom who makes a wonderful carrot cake but just had surgery I think I will make her some of these for something a little different!
kelley @ Miss Information recently posted..Pot of Gold Rainbow Crunch
Tell me about it, I want to hit him continuously. LOL! Thanks Kelley!
What a great combo! I love both and together I bet they are even better!
Mackenzie
Totally! Thanks Mackenzie!
I’m a huge fan of carrot cake- just love your unique and creative take on these brownies
Thanks Patty!
Ha…you found his weakness!
I think I need to take willpower lessons from him!
Tonia@thegunnysack recently posted..Your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Looks A Lot Like Meat Cake
So do I!!
This look wonderful! Yay for no raisins!!!!
Melissa @ No. 2 Pencil recently posted..Green Smoothie
LOL, thanks!