Decadent Carrot Cake Bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion. With their moist, spiced base and rich cream cheese frosting, these bars deliver the flavor of classic carrot cake in a convenient, shareable form. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or an indulgent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: Grated carrots and crushed pineapple keep these bars soft and full of flavor.
• Classic Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds warm, aromatic notes.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or potluck favorite.
• Rich Frosting: Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy-sweet finish.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and no layering required!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
2. Fold in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and walnuts (if using).

Step 6: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy and fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

1. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
2. Cut into bars and garnish with additional chopped walnuts, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
• Nut-Free: Omit walnuts for a nut-free version.
• Extra Spiced: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper flavor.
• Raisin Add-In: Mix in 1/2 cup raisins for a classic carrot cake twist.
• Coconut Twist: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days if unfrosted.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Yes, but freshly grated carrots provide better moisture and flavor.

2. What if I don’t have crushed pineapple?

Replace it with unsweetened applesauce for a similar texture and sweetness.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, bake the bars up to 2 days in advance and frost on the day of serving.

4. How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Use parchment paper or thoroughly grease and flour the pan.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in a larger pan or two 9×13-inch pans. Adjust baking time if needed.

6. Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, buttercream or whipped cream frosting also pairs well with these bars.

7. Are these bars dense or fluffy?

They are moist and slightly dense with a tender crumb.

8. What’s the best way to grate carrots?

Use a box grater or food processor for evenly grated carrots.

9. Can I omit the spices?

The spices enhance the flavor but can be omitted for a simpler carrot cake.

10. How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt or more cream cheese to balance the sweetness.

Conclusion

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and indulgence. With their moist texture and creamy topping, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether for a holiday dessert, potluck, or snack, enjoy every bite of this irresistible treat!

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: fella
• Prep Time: 20min
• Cook Time: 35min
• Total Time: 55min
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for dessert or special celebrations, these bars are a carrot cake lover’s dream!

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

. Prepare the Carrot Cake Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).

2. Bake the Bars

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy and fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Frost and Serve

1. Spread the frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars.
2. Cut into bars and garnish with additional chopped walnuts if desired.
3. Serve and enjoy!

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Notes

• For added texture, include raisins or shredded coconut in the batter.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For a fun twist, add orange zest to the cream cheese frosting for a citrusy flavor boost.

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Nutrition

• Calories: 290 kcal per bar