Carrot cake is one of those timeless desserts that never fails to impress. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or simply craving something sweet and comforting, these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect choice. They offer all the warm, spiced flavors of a classic carrot cake but in an easy, bar-style format that’s simple to slice, serve, and enjoy. Moist, tender, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting plus crunchy walnuts, these bars deliver a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
In this article, you’ll find a complete ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and everything you need to make this recipe successfully. The content is clean, well-structured, and ready for WordPress, fully SEO-friendly and optimized for readability.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 cup 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
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional but enhances moisture)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chopped walnuts for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures easy removal and clean edges for your bars.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring your bars rise properly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk:
- Oil
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla
Whisk until smooth and well combined. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thick.
Step 4: Add the Carrots
Fold in the grated carrots using a spatula. If you’re adding crushed pineapple or walnuts, incorporate them at this stage. These add-ins provide extra moisture and texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense bars.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top.
Bake for 22–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Frosting
Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Vanilla
Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the frosting is velvety and fluffy.
Step 3: Frost the Bars
Spread a generous layer of frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars.
Finish with chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and decoration.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to help the frosting set, making them easier to slice.
Why These Carrot Cake Bars Are So Good
Carrot cake has long been praised for its deep flavor and moist texture. These bars take everything great about carrot cake and transform it into a more convenient, easy-to-serve dessert. The grated carrots keep the cake tender and flavorful, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth.
The cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch—it’s rich, tangy, and sweet, complementing the spiced cake beautifully. Adding walnuts provides a satisfying crunch that balances the softness of the cake and frosting.
Not only do these bars taste amazing, but they’re also ideal for potlucks, holidays, brunch menus, school events, and weekday baking.
Helpful Tips
- Grate the carrots finely for the best texture.
- Do not overbake; removing the bars when they’re just done keeps them perfectly moist.
- Chill before cutting for clean, neat slices.
- Add-ins like raisins or shredded coconut can enhance the flavor further.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings—use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars cold or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with:
- Hot coffee
- Tea
- Milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and creamy topping make them ideal for dessert or a sweet snack.
Storage
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze individually or as a whole slab.