Description

Carrot Cake Bars are a cozy, crowd-pleasing twist on the classic dessert—soft, spiced, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. With no layers or fuss, these bars are perfect for potlucks, spring gatherings, or just satisfying a nostalgic sweet tooth. Moist from grated carrots and rich with cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re easy to make and even easier to love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

2 cups grated carrots (freshly grated)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
¾ cup vegetable oil
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup raisins
½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, both sugars, and vanilla until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet mixture.
Fold in Carrots & Add-ins: Fold in grated carrots and any optional nuts, raisins, or pineapple.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Frost: Allow to cool completely. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until creamy. Spread frosting over cooled bars.
Slice & Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles. Enjoy at room temp or chilled.

Notes

Freshly grated carrots yield the best moisture and texture.

Let the bars cool fully before frosting to avoid a runny topping.

Store in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm.

Add a dusting of cinnamon or chopped nuts on top for garnish.

For a healthier twist, swap half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: carrot cake bars, easy carrot dessert, cream cheese frosting, spring baking, portable carrot cake