If you’ve ever wished for a quicker, fuss-free version of classic carrot cake that still packs all the soft, spiced goodness, look no further than this Carrot Cake Bars Recipe. Imagine your favorite flavors—warm cinnamon, sweet carrots, and tangy cream cheese frosting—coming together in hand-held bars that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a spring picnic or sneaking a treat with your afternoon coffee, these bars have your cravings covered while cutting down on time and effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is that every ingredient truly counts. Each one brings out a flavor, texture, or color that makes these bars irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you don’t want to skip a thing:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure so your bars are soft yet sturdy enough to eat by hand.
- Baking powder: Lifts the batter for a light, cake-like crumb in every bite.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for a gentle lift and helps with browning.
- Ground cinnamon: Gives that signature carrot cake warmth and depth.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle layer of spice that makes the flavor more complex.
- Salt: Brightens up all the other flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender, even after a day or two.
- Brown sugar: Brings a touch of caramel-like richness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Eggs: Binds everything together and adds a little lift for fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile and adds a hint of sweetness.
- Finely grated carrots: The star ingredient—moisture, natural sweetness, and that beautiful orange color!
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds tang and extra moisture, making the bars super soft.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For crunch and a nutty bite—totally up to you.
- Cream cheese (softened): The secret to that luscious, tangy frosting everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the cream cheese frosting creamy and rich.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its smooth, sweet finish.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): A little extra warmth and depth for the creamy topping.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or a good layer of cooking spray. This simple step ensures the bars will lift out smoothly, making cutting (and sneaking a piece!) a total breeze.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these together first helps evenly distribute all those wonderful spices so every single bar sings with flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Aim for a smooth, cohesive mixture—this is what keeps your bars moist and packed with flavor from the inside out.
Step 4: Mix and Fold In the Good Stuff
Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until things are combined—over-mixing can make the bars tough. Now, fold in the finely grated carrots, drained pineapple, and if you’re feeling fancy, the chopped nuts. You’ll notice the batter turning a beautiful orange flecked with bits of carrot and pineapple!
Step 5: Pour, Bake, and Cool
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before even thinking about frosting—trust me, patience pays off here.
Step 6: Make the Dreamy Frosting
For the classic finishing touch, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until totally smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then whip until it’s fluffy and spreadable. Once the bars have cooled, slather that creamy frosting all over the top. The result? Pure carrot cake bliss in every bite.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
If you want your Carrot Cake Bars Recipe to look bakery-ready, sprinkle the frosted bars with a handful of extra chopped walnuts or pecans, a pinch of ground cinnamon, or some delicate orange zest. A few edible flowers make them perfect for spring gatherings or Easter displays!
Side Dishes
These bars are right at home with plenty of dessert table favorites—pair them with fresh fruit like pineapple chunks or strawberries, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a piping hot cup of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve on a tiered platter. If it’s a lunchbox or picnic treat, wrap individual bars in parchment for easy grabbing. And for that wow-factor, stack two squares with a little extra frosting between for a decadent “mini cake” experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Carrot Cake Bars Recipe covered in the refrigerator—an airtight container works best. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
Good news: these bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap them tightly, single layer or stacked with parchment between, and tuck in a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze without frosting and add it fresh after thawing—but even frosted bars keep their flavor for up to two months.
Reheating
For those who love a slightly warm treat, remove a bar from the fridge and let it come to room temperature, or give it a very quick zap (just 5–10 seconds) in the microwave. The frosting will soften, and the flavors will really shine.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and keep everything else the same. Your Carrot Cake Bars Recipe will still be moist, tender, and full of flavor.
Do I have to use pineapple?
Pineapple adds wonderful moisture and tang, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, leave it out or substitute with unsweetened applesauce for a similar soft texture.
What’s the best way to grate the carrots?
Use the small holes on a box grater for finely grated carrots. This helps them blend right into the bars, giving beautiful moisture and color without big crunchy pieces.
Can I double the Carrot Cake Bars Recipe for a crowd?
You can! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the bake time—check for doneness at around 28–33 minutes, but it may need a couple more minutes depending on your oven.
Does the frosting have to be cream cheese?
Classic cream cheese frosting is a match made in heaven with these bars, but for a lighter option, try a simple vanilla glaze or even a dusting of powdered sugar. The Carrot Cake Bars Recipe will taste delicious any way you top them!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dessert that combines cozy nostalgia with easy, everyday simplicity, this Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is the answer. Whether you bake it for a special brunch, a weekday snack, or just because you’re craving something sweet and spiced, you’re in for a treat. Gather your ingredients, share with friends, and let the compliments roll in!
Print
Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Packed with carrots, pineapple, and nuts, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Blend the batter: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then fold in carrots, pineapple, and nuts (if using).
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan, bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar and vanilla, beat until fluffy. Spread over cooled bars.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor with raisins or coconut.
- Store bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
