Carrot Cake Bars

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about carrot cake. Maybe it’s the tender crumb laced with warm spices, or the subtle sweetness of carrots tucked into every bite. Or maybe it’s the cream cheese frosting—that creamy, tangy finish that makes everything feel just right. Whatever the reason, carrot cake always feels like a celebration, whether it’s gracing the Easter table, making a spring brunch extra special, or simply showing up as a sweet surprise on a weekday.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

Now imagine all of that goodness in bar form. That’s right—Carrot Cake Bars take everything we love about the classic cake and give it a little twist: easier to make, easier to serve, and honestly, even easier to fall in love with.

This recipe brings together cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the natural sweetness of fresh carrots. The texture is perfectly moist with just the right amount of chew, and the cream cheese frosting? Silky, rich, and impossible to resist. These bars are the kind of treat you bring to a spring potluck and suddenly everyone’s asking for the recipe. Trust me—they’re that good.

And if you’re like me and love recipes that feel like a warm hug, this one’s going to be a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple to Make: No layering, no decorating—just mix, bake, and frost.

• Perfectly Spiced: Balanced warmth from cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

• Great for Sharing: Cut into bars for easy serving at parties and gatherings.

• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the carrots and a well-balanced batter.

• That Frosting Though: Cream cheese frosting makes everything better.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 cup melted unsalted butter

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups finely grated carrots

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups powdered sugar

HOW TO MAKE CARROT CAKE BARS:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. I prefer lining—it makes lifting out and cutting the bars a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix!

Now, gently stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick, but that’s what helps give these bars their hearty texture.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and just beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Let it cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and texture.

Step 5: Frost and Slice

Once the bars are cool, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting all over the top. For an extra flourish, sprinkle with a few chopped nuts or even a light dusting of cinnamon.

Slice into squares or rectangles—whatever your heart desires—and enjoy!

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Grate the Carrots Fresh: Pre-shredded carrots don’t offer the same moisture or flavor. Grab a box grater and go to town—it’s worth it!

• Don’t Skip the Pineapple: It adds subtle sweetness and helps keep the bars incredibly moist.

• Room Temp Frosting Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened so the frosting turns out silky-smooth.

• Make It Nut-Free: Feel free to skip the nuts if you’re serving anyone with allergies, or just prefer a smoother texture.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Yield: 16 bars

• Category: Dessert

• Method: Baking

• Cuisine: American

• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Just thaw and frost when you’re ready to serve.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Approximate per bar (based on 16 servings):

• Calories: 320

• Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 37g

• Sugar: 24g

• Protein: 3g

• Fiber: 1g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the bars a day in advance, then frost before serving. You can also make the frosting ahead and refrigerate it.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, though the bars will be a bit denser. Try using half all-purpose and half whole wheat for a nice balance.

What can I substitute for pineapple?
Unsweetened applesauce or finely grated apple works in a pinch, but the pineapple really gives a unique flavor and moisture boost.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger baking pan (like 11×17) and keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment between layers to avoid smudging the frosting.

To freeze, wrap the cooled, unfrosted bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and frost before serving.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy bakes:

• Blueberry Breakfast Cake

• Limoncello Mascarpone Cake (Alcohol-Free)

• Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars

CONCLUSION

These carrot cake bars are proof that some of the best desserts come in humble forms. No fancy layers, no intricate designs—just a pan of tender, spiced cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting and cut into sweet little squares of joy.

Whether you’re baking for Easter, spring brunches, or just because your kitchen could use the comforting smell of cinnamon and vanilla, these bars are always a good idea. So go ahead—preheat that oven and treat yourself to a slice of simple, homemade happiness.

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