These moist and flavorful carrot cake bars are topped with rich cream cheese frosting and a hint of spice. A perfect dessert for any gathering or special occasion! With warm spices, shredded carrots, and a luscious frosting, these bars are an easy yet elegant treat that captures the essence of a classic carrot cake in a convenient bar form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Moist & Flavorful – Packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Easy to Make – No need to layer or frost an entire cake—just bake, spread the frosting, and slice!
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for potlucks, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Deliciously Spiced – Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to every bite.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat – These bars are a guaranteed hit, whether served as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Grated carrots
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Carrots & Nuts – Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans if using.
- Mix Everything Together – Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely – Let the cake bars cool in the pan before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting – Beat together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Frost & Slice – Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then slice into bars and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Raisin Addition – Add ½ cup of raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
- Coconut Twist – Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor boost.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Spiced Up – Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
- Lighter Version – Swap some of the oil for unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy cold, or let sit at room temperature for a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I make these bars without nuts?
Yes! Simply omit the nuts for a smooth, nut-free version.
What kind of carrots should I use?
Freshly grated carrots work best as they provide moisture and texture. Avoid pre-shredded carrots, as they can be too dry.
Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! Try a brown butter glaze or a simple vanilla icing for a different twist.
How do I make these bars extra moist?
Using oil instead of butter and not overbaking will help keep them soft and moist.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger pan or bake in two separate pans for more servings.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Since they have cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store them in the fridge.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for balance.
How do I get smooth frosting?
Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
Can I add pineapple to the batter?
Yes! Adding crushed pineapple (drained) will add sweetness and extra moisture.
What can I serve these bars with?
They pair well with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Conclusion
These decadent carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting are a perfect combination of warm spices, moist cake, and creamy topping. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, they’re an easy and delicious dessert that everyone will love. Try them today and enjoy every bite!
Print
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars are topped with rich cream cheese frosting and a hint of warm spice. A perfect dessert for any gathering or special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Combine & Add Carrots:
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
- Bake:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
- Frost & Serve:
- Spread frosting over cooled carrot cake bars.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra moisture, add ¼ cup crushed pineapple (drained).
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Toast the nuts before adding for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
