Best Carrot Cake Bars
These Carrot Cake Bars are everything you love about classic carrot cake moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced but easier to make and share. Each bite delivers a soft, tender crumb loaded with freshly grated carrots, warm cinnamon, and a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting.
Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, planning a holiday dessert, or craving a quick treat, these Carrot Cake Bars are the ideal make-ahead dessert that never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: No complicated layering or special tools just one bowl, one pan, and 30 minutes of baking.
- Perfect texture: Moist, soft, and rich with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
- Flavor-packed: Fresh carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg give these bars their warm, cozy aroma.
- Crowd favorite: Slice into neat squares for parties, bake sales, or family get-togethers.
- Freezer-friendly: They store beautifully enjoy fresh-tasting bars anytime.
Ingredients Explained (Without Measurements)
For the Carrot Cake Bars
- All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to the bars, helping them hold together while staying tender and soft. It’s the foundation of the recipe, balancing the moisture from the carrots and oil.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the bars rise beautifully. They create a light, fluffy texture so your Carrot Cake Bars don’t turn dense or heavy.
- Salt: A small amount enhances all the other flavors from the sweetness of the sugar to the warmth of the spices.
- Ground Cinnamon: The main spice that gives classic carrot cake its cozy aroma. It adds depth, warmth, and that signature bakery-style flavor.
- Nutmeg & Ginger: These spices complement the cinnamon. Nutmeg adds richness, while ginger brings a gentle zing that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure. It also helps with that beautiful golden-brown color while baking.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like flavor and extra moisture, giving the bars their irresistible chewiness.
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Keeps the Carrot Cake Bars incredibly moist. Oil adds softness, while butter gives a deeper, richer taste you can choose based on your preference.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the bars a rich, smooth texture. They add structure and help the bars stay light and fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the sweet, spiced flavors in the batter.
- Freshly Grated Carrots: The hero of this recipe! Fresh carrots keep the bars naturally moist and give them a beautiful color and texture. They blend seamlessly into the batter and create that signature carrot cake taste.
- Chopped Nuts (Optional): Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. They also balance the sweetness.
- Raisins or Shredded Coconut (Optional): For those who like more texture and bursts of sweetness in every bite both pair wonderfully with carrots and spices.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy base that makes this frosting so addictive. It balances the sweetness of the bars with a slight tartness that complements the spices perfectly.
- Butter: Adds smoothness, richness, and helps the frosting whip up light and creamy. It also gives the frosting that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates a velvety consistency. It dissolves easily, resulting in a smooth, silky spread.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm undertone and enhances the overall flavor of the frosting, tying everything together beautifully.
- Optional Toppings: You can sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a dusting of cinnamon on top for decoration and a little extra flavor flair.
The Best Carrot Cake Bars
If you’re a fan of classic carrot cake but want something easier to serve and even more irresistible, these Carrot Cake Bars are for you!
Notes
For the Carrot Cake Bars (with measurements)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup raisins or shredded coconut (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
-
Optional: chopped nuts or shredded coconut for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add the carrots: Fold in the freshly grated carrots until evenly distributed.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Optional add-ins: Stir in nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Top with chopped nuts or coconut if desired.
Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Bars
- Use fresh carrots: Keep bars moist and flavorful.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
- Cool before frosting: Prevents frosting from melting.
- Optional add-ins: Nuts, coconut, or raisins add richness.
Frost cooled bars, slice into 16 squares, and top with pecans or coconut. Store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Notes:
Grate carrots using a food processor for ease. Recipe inspired by Smitten Kitchen’s carrot cake.
Nutrition
Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 33.25g | Protein: 2.7g | Fat: 12.8g | Saturated Fat: 7.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 0.125g | Sugar: 11.25g | Vitamin A: 4265IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 0.5mg PinterestFrequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these Carrot Cake Bars ahead of time?
Yes! They taste even better the next day. Store them covered in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Q2: Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then frost before serving.
Q3: Can I use store-bought shredded carrots?
It’s better to use freshly grated ones pre-shredded carrots are too dry and don’t blend as well.
Q4: Can I turn this into cupcakes or cake?
Yes! Use the same batter for cupcakes (bake 18–20 minutes) or double it for a 9×13-inch cake.
Q5: How do I make the frosting thicker?
Add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
These Carrot Cake Bars are the ultimate dessert for carrot cake lovers soft, sweet, and filled with warm spices, all topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re simple to make, perfect for any occasion, and guaranteed to impress family and friends.
Enjoy every moist, melt in your mouth bite these bars truly taste like spring in dessert form!
