Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a rich and indulgent treat that combines the classic flavors of spiced carrot cake with the convenience of a bar. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or enjoying as an everyday dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the moist, spiced flavor of carrot cake with an easy-to-serve bar format.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the bars.
- Great for making ahead and serving at gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or coconut.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Shredded carrots
- Optional: chopped walnuts, raisins, or shredded coconut
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the batter: Preheat your oven and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Fold in shredded carrots and any desired mix-ins.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake 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 and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Assemble: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 12–16 bars
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
- Raisin lover’s option: Stir in a handful of raisins for a chewy texture.
- Pineapple addition: Fold in crushed pineapple for added moisture and a tropical flair.
- Spice it up: Add ground ginger or allspice for a bolder flavor.
- Gluten-free version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Serve chilled or bring to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Yes, but freshly shredded carrots are preferred for better texture and moisture.
2. Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! They’re even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
3. Can I omit the cream cheese frosting?
While the frosting is a highlight, you can skip it or replace it with a dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter option.
4. What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts or pecans are classic choices that pair beautifully with carrot cake.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes for the frosting.
6. How do I prevent the bars from becoming dry?
Be careful not to overbake, and ensure the shredded carrots are fresh and moist.
7. Can I add coconut to the batter?
Yes, shredded coconut adds a delicious flavor and texture to the bars.
8. Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Certainly! Use a larger pan or bake in two separate pans for even cooking.
9. How do I slice the bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat, uniform slices.
10. Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a hand mixer works well for both the batter and frosting.
Conclusion
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of carrot cake without the fuss of layering. With their rich, spiced flavor and creamy frosting, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and share the sweetness with family and friends!
Print
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
These carrot cake bars are rich, moist, and loaded with warm spices, shredded carrots, and optional add-ins like walnuts or raisins. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) finely shredded carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup (75 g) raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Carrot Cake Bars:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using). - Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Incorporate the Carrots and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the shredded carrots, and if desired, the chopped nuts and raisins. - Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Prepare the Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. - Frost the Bars:
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting or create decorative swirls.
Serve:
- Cut the bars into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Add a touch of orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist.
- These bars freeze well! Freeze unfrosted bars and add the frosting after thawing.