If you’re a fan of cozy spices, lusciously creamy frosting, and all things carrot cake, you’re in for a real treat! These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are everything you love about the classic cake, but in a portable, crowd-pleasing bar form. The sweet, ultra-moist crumb is packed with freshly grated carrots and a touch of warming spice, then blanketed with a pillowy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a simple weeknight indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles to your table and make dessert time absolutely irresistible.

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component brings its own flair – from tender carrots to velvety frosting – ensuring every bite is balanced and flavorful without any fuss.

All-purpose flour: This creates the perfect sturdy yet tender base for your bars, ensuring a cakey texture that holds up to slicing.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners work together to give your bars lift, keeping them light and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: This trio of spices is the secret to that classic carrot cake warmth and aroma.
Vegetable oil: Oil gives your bars their signature moist crumb and stays soft even after refrigerating.
Granulated sugar & light brown sugar: A combo of sugars deepens the flavor and keeps everything tender.
Eggs: These bind everything together while adding richness.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the spice and makes the cake taste extra special.
Finely grated carrots: The star ingredient! Fresh carrots give natural sweetness, moisture, and that gorgeous orange color.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a satisfying crunch and added flavor, sprinkle some nuts into your batter.
Cream cheese (softened): Essential for a smooth, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the spiced bars.
Unsalted butter (softened): Blending butter with cream cheese makes the frosting ultra-creamy and luscious.
Powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting while keeping it light and fluffy.
More vanilla extract: Gives your frosting a warm, dessert-shop flavor you’ll crave.
Pinch of salt (for frosting): Keeps your frosting from being too sweet and highlights the tang of the cream cheese.

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and then grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures the bars won’t stick and makes removal a breeze – you’ll thank yourself when lifting the cooled bars out in one tidy slab!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium bowl. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking soda and spices evenly for the perfect, fluffy crumb and balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and glossy. The oil and sugars blend to create a rich, tender base, while the eggs and vanilla bring everything together beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Carrots

Stir in those gorgeous, freshly grated carrots, letting their vibrant color and natural sweetness shine throughout your batter. This is where all that classic carrot cake magic really begins!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined — overmixing can toughen the bars, so a few streaks of flour are okay at this stage. For a little crunch, gently fold in chopped nuts if you’re using them.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars should be golden around the edges and springy in the middle. Let them cool completely in the pan for the softest, neatest slices.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth and creamy. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then beat until your frosting is light, fluffy, and irresistible. Take a little taste — you’ll know you’re ready!

Step 8: Frost and Slice

Once your carrot cake bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to swoop it into pillowy peaks. Finally, slice into squares and serve. Prepare for oohs and ahhs all around!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even some finely grated carrot curls on top can turn your Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting into a bakery-worthy dessert. For springtime gatherings, edible flowers add a whimsical, elegant touch.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or chai, cutting through the sweetness with a touch of warmth. For brunch spreads, try serving with fresh berries, sliced oranges, or a tangy fruit salad to complement the bars’ richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, arrange the bars on a tiered dessert stand or tuck each bar in a parchment cupcake liner for a playful, portable treat. Fancy things up for parties by cutting the bars into small two-bite squares, or serve atop individual plates with a light drizzle of caramel or white chocolate sauce for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting keep surprisingly well! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, and the bars stay moist and delicious. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best soft, creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars after frosting for up to two months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and they’ll taste as wonderful as the day you made them.

Reheating

If you prefer your Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting just slightly warm, let a slice sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, or give it a quick 5- to 10-second zap in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting may melt.

FAQs

Can I make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are totally optional — leave them out for a nut-free version, and you’ll still have perfectly moist, flavorful bars.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots instead of grating them myself?

While pre-shredded carrots are convenient, they tend to be drier and coarser. For the best results, grate fresh carrots at home using a box grater — it’s worth the effort for extra-moist bars and the sweetest carrot flavor.

How thick should I spread the cream cheese frosting?

There’s no such thing as too much frosting! Aim for a generous 1/4-inch layer so each bite of Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting has that irresistible creamy tang. Spread evenly and finish with swoops for a homemade look.

Can I make the bars ahead of time?

Yes! Bake and frost the bars a day in advance, then keep them covered in the fridge. This actually allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making them even better for parties and potlucks.

Can I add raisins or coconut to this recipe?

Definitely. Feel free to fold in up to 1/2 cup of raisins or shredded sweetened coconut to the batter with the carrots for even more flavor and texture. It’s a fun way to personalize your Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Final Thoughts

If you’re the type who can’t resist a classic dessert with a creamy twist, you’ll fall in love with these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Give them a try the next time you want something comforting, easy, and sure to delight everyone who takes a bite. Happy baking, and don’t forget to save yourself a second piece — they disappear quickly!

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delicious Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and spiced flavors. These bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level.

Ingredients

Scale

For the bars:

1 cup 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
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots.
Combine ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the nuts if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, and beat until fluffy.
Frost the bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut to the batter.
Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American