Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re searching for a treat that melds warm spice, creamy frosting, and a soft, irresistible crumb all in one bite, these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are your new go-to. Each square packs classic carrot cake flavor but is simpler and quicker to whip up than a full layer cake. Imagine the cozy tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and tender carrots, all balanced by a luscious, tangy cream cheese topping — perfect to share at gatherings, potlucks, or just as a sweet family indulgence any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is how a handful of humble pantry staples come together to create pure dessert delight. Every ingredient earns its spot, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor, structure, and creaminess in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bars their soft, tender crumb — no fancy flour needed.
- Baking powder and baking soda: This duo helps the bars rise and stay airy, not dense.
- Salt: Just a touch brings out the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices make the carrot cake sing with warmth and depth.
- Eggs: Offer structure and richness for moist, stable bars.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: The mix brings both sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Makes the bars supremely moist, never dry.
- Vanilla extract: Adds rounded flavor to both batter and frosting.
- Finely grated carrots: The starring ingredient, giving signature flavor, texture, and color.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For that classic nutty crunch in every bite.
- Cream cheese (softened): The rich, tangy backbone of the dreamy frosting.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds body and just the right amount of creaminess to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting to perfection.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the frosting so it’s never too sweet.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your batter is. Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, making sure to cover the sides for clean-edged slices later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step evenly disperses the leavening and spices, so you get perfect rise and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. This combo is what gives Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting their signature softness and rich taste.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Now, gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overdo it, or the bars won’t stay as tender. Fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed. The batter should look rich, speckled, and fragrant.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean, with the edges just starting to pull away from the pan.
Step 6: Cool Completely
The hardest part—let the bars cool in the pan. This ensures the cream cheese frosting will glide on smoothly and won’t melt. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until velvety and lump-free. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating until fluffy, light, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 8: Frost and Slice
Spread the cream cheese frosting lavishly over your cooled carrot cake bars. Chill them briefly for the cleanest slices, then cut into 16 squares. Each piece is a perfect blend of spiced cake and creamy frosting—every bit as inviting as a classic carrot cake, but easier to love and share.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkling of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting adds both beauty and crunch. For a pop of color, try adding a few curls of freshly grated carrot or even orange zest right before serving.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own, but pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or chai takes things to another level. For special occasions, set them alongside fresh berries or fruit salad for a refreshingly sweet counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the pan! Cut the bars into triangles or bite-sized cubes for party platters. Stack them in layers with extra frosting for a “mini-cake” effect, or serve them in cupcake liners for an instant dessert tray upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting store beautifully in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days—they’ll stay moist and the flavors actually deepen! Chill before slicing for neat, bakery-style squares.
Freezing
If you’d like to make these bars ahead or save a few for later, pop them in the freezer. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
These bars are most enjoyable chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit out for 20 minutes before enjoying. For that just-baked warmth (without melting the frosting), zap individual bars in the microwave for 5–8 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture, and proceed with the recipe as written.
What’s the best way to grate carrots for these bars?
Finely grate your carrots using the small holes of a box grater. This ensures the carrots melt into the batter, keeping the bars tender without any tough shreds. Pre-shredded carrots tend to be too coarse and dry.
Can I add other mix-ins like raisins or pineapple?
Definitely! Add up to 1/3 cup of raisins for chewy sweetness, or fold in 1/4 cup well-drained crushed pineapple for extra moisture and bright flavor. Just don’t overload the batter with too many extras at once.
Why chill the bars before slicing?
Chilling helps the cream cheese frosting set firmly, giving you sharper, cleaner slices and a professional bakery look. It also makes the flavors more pronounced and satisfying.
Can these be made ahead for a party?
Yes! Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a dream for entertaining. Bake and frost them a day ahead, then refrigerate until party time. They’ll stay fresh, flavorful, and easy to cut and serve when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
If you love carrot cake but want something quicker and easier, these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are truly the answer. It’s a treat that never disappoints, bringing everyone around the table together in just a few simple steps. Give them a try and enjoy every moist, spiced, creamy bite—you’ll be making them again and again!
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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, a delightful twist on traditional carrot cake in an easy-to-eat bar form. Moist and flavorful, these bars are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes them irresistible.
Ingredients
For the bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in the grated carrots and nuts.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beat until fluffy.
- Frost bars: Spread frosting over cooled bars and slice into squares.
Notes
- These bars are soft, moist, and perfect for make-ahead desserts.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner edges.
- Add raisins or crushed pineapple for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
