If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to share and undeniably irresistible, Carrot Cake Bars check every box. Packed with warm spices, juicy carrots, and a hint of pineapple, these moist and tender treats are topped with a rich, fluffy cream cheese frosting that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for spring gatherings, picnics, or just because you need a sweet escape, these bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—the perfect reason to gather around your table and enjoy something homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Carrot Cake Bars, you’ll only need some pantry staples and a few fresh touches that make all the difference. Each ingredient melts together to create those classic carrot cake flavors, while keeping the recipe simple enough for busy days. Here’s what makes every bite special:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy but tender base your bars need to hold all the delicious add-ins without becoming dense.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Both help the bars rise just the right amount, giving them a light and cake-like crumb.
- Salt: A pinch brings balance and helps the other flavors shine, so nothing tastes flat.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: These warming spices create that signature carrot cake aroma and flavor that feels like a hug.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the bars stay moist—from the first bite to the last crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Infuses a subtle molasses note and keeps the bars chewy and sweet.
- Eggs (room temperature): Vital for structure and extra fluffiness, so your bars rise and set just right.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a bit of floral sweetness in both the batter and the frosting.
- Finely grated carrots: The star of the show, bringing sweetness, color, and undeniable moisture to every bar.
- Crushed pineapple, drained: Adds pops of juiciness and a sunny, subtle tang you’ll taste in each bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a little crunch and a nutty accent, but you can skip these if you prefer nut-free.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates that lush, tangy frosting that’s inseparable from classic carrot cake.
- Unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Helps the frosting whip up to ultra-smooth perfection.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it cloud-like and spreadable.
- Pure vanilla extract (for frosting): A little bit ties all the flavors together for a bakery-worthy topping.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting (no stuck bars!) or lightly grease the pan if that’s easier for you. This step guarantees picture-perfect Carrot Cake Bars that release cleanly when you’re ready to slice and serve.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures the spices are evenly distributed, so you get deep, consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar, whisking until they’re creamy and combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth. This step sets up your Carrot Cake Bars with irresistible richness and a perfect crumb.
Step 4: Fold in Carrots, Pineapple, and Nuts
Gently fold in the grated carrots, crushed (and well-drained!) pineapple, and chopped nuts if you’re adding them. The combination keeps the bars moist with bursts of nutty crunch, while the pineapple gives the flavor a bright lift.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture and stir gently, just until everything is incorporated. Don’t overmix; you want to keep these bars tender. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly! Let the bars cool completely before adding frosting.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until super smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until the frosting is fluffy, luscious, and irresistibly spoonable. Slather it all over the cooled bars with a spatula or the back of a spoon—don’t skimp!
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once frosted, use the edges of the parchment to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into even squares and admire your handiwork. These Carrot Cake Bars slice like a dream, holding together beautifully with that thick, creamy layer of frosting on top.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars
Garnishes
Garnishing your Carrot Cake Bars is totally the cherry on top (or maybe the walnut on top). I love adding a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or a little dusting of shredded coconut for tropical flair. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, bakery-case finish. If you’re feeling extra, tiny piped carrots or edible flowers are a showstopper.
Side Dishes
Thanks to their sweet and spicy flavors, Carrot Cake Bars pair wonderfully with something cool and creamy—think vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a lighter vibe, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a mug of strong black coffee. They even shine on an afternoon tea tray, balancing out savory bites perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, cut Carrot Cake Bars into bite-sized cubes and serve them as dessert “bites” at a party, or skewer them with fresh berries for a unique brunch treat. Stack them up on a tiered serving stand for extra wow-factor, or package individual bars in parchment wrappers for adorable, ready-to-go lunchbox snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Carrot Cake Bars are a gift you’ll be thrilled to discover in your fridge! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even better the second time around.
Freezing
Freezing Carrot Cake Bars is a fabulous make-ahead option. Cut cooled, unfrosted bars and layer them between sheets of parchment in an airtight container or zip-top bag. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and add the cream cheese frosting fresh for peak texture and flavor. You can also freeze fully frosted bars, though the topping may be a bit softer after thawing.
Reheating
These bars are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, but if you’d like to take the chill off, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds (skip this step if they’re frosted, or the topping might melt). Letting them sit out for 15-20 minutes before eating also does the trick, bringing out all those wonderful flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Carrot Cake Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and keep an eye on the texture—it should stay moist and tender. Double-check that your baking powder and vanilla are also gluten-free to be safe.
What can I use instead of pineapple?
If you don’t have crushed pineapple on hand, try unsweetened applesauce or even mashed ripe banana for that juicy moisture. The flavor will be a bit different, but still totally delicious.
Are the nuts essential?
Not at all! The nuts add lovely crunch and nutty richness, but leaving them out won’t affect the texture. These Carrot Cake Bars turn out beautifully whether you go nutty or not, making them safe for allergies or personal preference.
Can I double the cream cheese frosting?
Frosting lovers, rejoice—you can totally double the frosting if you like a thicker (or extra indulgent) layer. Just keep in mind that more frosting may require a longer setting time in the refrigerator.
How long do Carrot Cake Bars last?
Stored in the fridge, they hold up incredibly well for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars for two to three months, and frost after thawing for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Carrot Cake Bars before, I promise you’re in for a treat. With their soft crumb, sweet tangy frosting, and irresistible spice, they’ll win over everyone from the first square to the last. Grab your grater and get baking—there’s no such thing as too many bars when they taste this good!
Print
Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 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
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts (if using).
- Combine Batter: Fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Pour into pan and bake for 22-25 minutes.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread frosting over cooled bars and cut into squares.
Notes
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Top with extra nuts or coconut for garnish if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
