If you love classic carrot cake but want something a bit more portable and perfect for sharing, you will absolutely adore this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars capture all the warmth and spice of traditional carrot cake with finely grated carrots and a hint of nutmeg and ginger, then top it all off with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s perfectly smooth and tangy. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a gathering, this recipe creates a moist, flavorful dessert that feels like a big, comforting hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly but each plays a vital role in building those rich flavors and tender texture. From aromatic spices that create depth, to the moisture and sweetness contributed by pineapple and carrots, every component is essential to achieving that perfectly balanced carrot cake bar.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bars without weighing them down.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise lightly for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients for perfect lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice synonymous with carrot cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle, cozy spice note that complements cinnamon beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a gentle zing and depth to the spice blend.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Offers deep molasses notes and natural moisture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and gives a slight crunch when baked.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant warmth.
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots: The star ingredient that provides sweet moisture and texture.
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained: Adds natural sweetness and juiciness, keeping the bars tender.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor twist.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once baked. This simple prep step makes sure your bars come out perfectly without sticking, keeping their beautiful shape intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Combining the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution, so your carrot cake bars have consistent flavor and rise evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and a little lightened in color. This is where the magic begins—the sugars dissolve into the eggs, creating a sweet, silky base that keeps the bars moist.
Step 4: Add Carrots and Pineapple
Stir in the finely grated carrots and crushed pineapple. These ingredients bring not only natural sweetness and moisture but also a lovely texture that makes these bars feel indulgent yet fresh and vibrant.
Step 5: Bring Dry and Wet Ingredients Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until you no longer see flour. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, so keep it light and tender. If you’re using nuts, fold them in here to add that wonderful crunch and earthiness.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell while these bake will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that’s impossible to resist.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars cool completely in the pan, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat until the frosting is creamy and luscious. This frosting is the crowning glory—tangy, sweet, and silky smooth.
Step 8: Frost and Chill
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. For the cleanest slices, chill the bars for about 15 minutes before cutting. This little extra patience will reward you with neat, Instagram-worthy squares that taste even better than they look!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting right before serving for added texture and a nutty finish. A light dusting of cinnamon or some finely grated orange zest can also brighten up the bars and give them an extra pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
These carrot cake bars make a lovely pairing with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a creamy latte. For a more indulgent spread, serve with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a dessert that feels extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bars into smaller squares for a party platter or layer them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and shredded coconut. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine to give as charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and moist for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars either frosted or unfrosted. For best results, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy that perfect cream cheese frosting and moist crumb.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these bars slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the frosting just enough to melt lightly, enhancing their comforting, cake-like feel without losing any of their structure.
FAQs
Can I make the Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so you can simply leave them out or substitute with raisins or shredded coconut for some texture without the nuts.
Is it possible to use a different oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use canola oil or melted coconut oil as a substitute. Just keep in mind that coconut oil may add a slight coconut flavor, which pairs nicely with the carrots and spices.
How finely should the carrots be grated?
For the best texture, grate the carrots finely so they incorporate smoothly into the batter, ensuring every bite has pieces that blend up with the spices and pineapple.
Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, cream cheese frosting can be made up to two days in advance. Keep it tightly covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before spreading for easy application.
What if I want to make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free, and the baking time should remain about the same with possibly a slight texture variation.
Final Thoughts
These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe have quickly become a personal favorite whenever I want something sweet, comforting, and delightfully spiced without the fuss of a layered cake. They’re easy to make, full of fresh, nourishing ingredients, and the luscious cream cheese frosting ties it all together perfectly. I can’t wait for you to try them yourself and share this little piece of happiness with your loved ones.
Print
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and moist carrot cake bars topped with smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for an easy homemade dessert or snack. These bars combine warm spices, grated carrots, and crushed pineapple for added moisture and flavor, finished with a luscious frosting that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars
- 1 1/4 cups 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
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This creates a well-spiced foundation for the batter.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add carrots and pineapple: Stir the finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple into the wet ingredients, adding moisture and sweet flavor to the batter.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in nuts: If using, gently fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat until creamy and spreadable.
- Frost the bars: Once the bars have fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Chill and serve: Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the frosting before slicing into 16 bars for clean, neat cuts.
Notes
- You can omit the nuts or substitute them with raisins or shredded coconut for a nut-free variation or additional texture.
- Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the frosting fresh and the bars moist.
