Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich with classic flavor and supremely easy to make, these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting should be at the very top of your list! Moist, tender, and filled with layers of taste and texture thanks to fresh carrots, warming spices, and a luscious, tangy-sweet frosting, this recipe transforms traditional carrot cake into crowd-pleasing, hand-held bars. Whether you’re baking for a spring gathering, a weeknight treat, or just want to make someone’s day a whole lot sweeter, these bars will never let you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to whip up these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, but each ingredient has a special purpose for flavor, color, and the dreamy texture of both the bars and the frosting. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love having them on hand:

• Finely grated carrots: The star! They provide moisture, subtle sweetness, and that signature orange hue throughout the bars.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure for tender bars, ensuring a light but sturdy crumb.
• Whole wheat flour: Adds a pleasing heartiness and depth while sneaking in a bit of extra nutrition.
• Granulated sugar: Brings clean, bright sweetness that lets the spices shine.
• Brown sugar: Lends caramel undertones and a touch of chewiness you’ll love in every bite.
• Baking powder: Helps achieve a soft, gentle lift in the bars.
• Baking soda: Works with the other leaveners to ensure your bars are never dense or heavy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances out the sugary sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that makes carrot cake so irresistible.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy, warm accent that’s subtle but magical.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars extra moist and tender throughout the week.
• Large eggs: Essential for structure, binding, and richness in the batter.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the bars (and the frosting!) with classic flavor and aroma.
• Crushed pineapple (drained): Secretly boosts moisture and adds a gentle tang without being overpowering.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: For a delightful crunch and earthy, toasty flavor. Feel free to skip for nut-free bars!
• Cream cheese (softened): The creamy, tangy hero of the frosting everyone looks forward to.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the frosting rich and dreamy; adds a buttery underpinning to every bite.
• Powdered sugar: Smooths out the frosting and brings it to fluffy perfection.
• Vanilla extract (again): Rounds out the frosting with its fragrant sweetness.
• Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance the tanginess of the frosting.

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan, grease it well, and line the bottom with parchment paper. This quick trick guarantees those beautiful bars will come out cleanly and easily, every single time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining the dry ingredients first keeps your batter evenly mixed and prevents pockets of flour or clumps of spice from sneaking into the bars.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners

In a separate large bowl, blend the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully smooth and glossy. This base will help your Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting stay irresistibly soft and flavorful.

Step 4: Add Carrots and Pineapple

Gently stir in your finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple. This duo brings unbeatable moisture and brightness — don’t skip the pineapple! It melts into the bars and enhances that classic carrot cake flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The goal here is to avoid over-mixing, which can make the bars dense. When the batter looks evenly blended, stop!

Step 6: Fold in the Nuts

If you’re using walnuts or pecans, fold them in gently at the very end. Their crunch and toasty flavor are small but mighty finishing touches. Want a nut-free batch? Go ahead and leave them out!

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t overbake — you want to keep that amazing moisture intact!

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. It’s tempting to rush this, but a cool surface guarantees your Cream Cheese Frosting won’t melt or slide off.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fluffy, luscious, and perfectly spreadable.

Step 10: Frost and Slice

Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting evenly over the cooled bars. For best results, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for thick, beautiful swirls. Slice into squares or bars as large (or as dainty) as you like. Enjoy every irresistible bite!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A classic presentation always starts with a sprinkle! Scatter a few extra chopped walnuts or pecans over the top for crunch, or dust a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth. If you’re feeling festive, try fine orange zest or jewel-toned sprinkles for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are sweet enough to stand alone, but pairing them with fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad can create a lighter, balanced dessert plate. As an afternoon treat, enjoy one with a hot cup of spiced tea or cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the bars in a tier on a cake stand for a party centerpiece, wrapping them in parchment for edible gifts, or cutting them into shapes with festive cookie cutters for birthdays and celebrations. No matter how you serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, they’ll look and taste spectacular!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, these bars keep incredibly well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The Cream Cheese Frosting even helps the bars stay moist, so don’t worry about them drying out if you need to make them ahead.

Freezing

You can freeze Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting! Chill the frosted bars until the frosting firms up, then wrap each bar tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours for a tasty make-ahead treat.

Reheating

While these bars are usually enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can briefly bring refrigerated or thawed bars to room temperature before serving for the softest, most flavorful texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the frosting to melt.

FAQs

Can I make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting nut-free?

Absolutely! Just leave the nuts out of the batter. The bars will still be moist and packed with flavor, making them perfect for anyone with allergies or preferences against nuts.

Do I have to use whole wheat flour, or can I substitute it?

You can use all-purpose flour for the entire flour amount if you prefer. The whole wheat flour adds a bit of earthiness, but the bars turn out tender and delicious either way.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots from the store?

For the best texture, grate your own carrots using a box grater or food processor. Store-bought pre-shredded carrots tend to be a bit drier and thicker, which can affect moisture and the finished crumb of the bars.

How do I keep Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting from being too sweet?

If you prefer a less-sweet treat, reduce the sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup and taste the frosting as you make it, adding less powdered sugar to suit your palate.

What’s the best way to cut clean, neat squares?

Chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it off between cuts. This ensures perfect squares and preserves that gorgeous layer of Cream Cheese Frosting on every bar.

Final Thoughts

Once you take a bite of these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll see why they’re a real favorite, perfect for any party, holiday table, or simple weeknight indulgence. Warm, spiced, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, they’re a guaranteed hit! Happy baking – you deserve every delicious, homemade bite.

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