If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a cozy hug in every bite, look no further than these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. They’re everything you love about classic carrot cake—moist, gently spiced, and studded with sweet carrots—but in an easy-to-share, bar form that’s perfect for gatherings or just a treat at home. The tangy cream cheese frosting is the crowning glory, making each square irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, potluck, or simply to satisfy a craving, these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate how simple and wholesome the ingredients in this recipe are! Each one plays a key role: from the warm spices and fresh carrots to the luscious cream cheese frosting, everything comes together for a balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these bars unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb that holds the bars together beautifully.
- Baking powder: Gives the bars a gentle lift so they’re not too dense.
- Baking soda: Works with the acid in the pineapple for extra rise and softness.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that classic carrot cake aroma.
- Ground nutmeg: Lends a subtle, earthy spice that complements the carrots.
- Ground ginger: Brightens up the flavor with a little zing.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to moistness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars super moist and tender from edge to edge.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and adds a bit of structure.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings a lovely depth of flavor and extra moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
- Finely grated carrots: The star ingredient, bringing moisture, color, and a gentle sweetness.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds juiciness and a subtle fruity note.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a bit of crunch and a classic carrot cake touch.
- Cream cheese (softened): The base for that dreamy, tangy frosting.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the frosting extra creamy and rich.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds warmth and aroma to the cream cheese frosting.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness and enhances the tanginess.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing. This ensures your Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting lift out easily and look picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This simple step helps distribute the spices evenly so every bar is full of warm flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. This blend creates the base of the bars, ensuring they’re moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Add the Carrots and Pineapple
Stir the finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple into your wet mixture. The carrots bring moisture and sweetness, while the pineapple adds a delicate tang that makes these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting truly special.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently just until combined. If you’re feeling nutty, now’s the time to stir in those chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and tradition. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bars soft and tender.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before moving on to the best part: the frosting!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. This dreamy layer is what takes your Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting over the top.
Step 8: Frost and Slice
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For the cleanest cuts, pop the pan in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before slicing into squares. Now, all that’s left is to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Dress up your Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a shower of shredded coconut, or a dusting of cinnamon. For a whimsical touch, try adding tiny carrot-shaped sprinkles or candied ginger pieces that hint at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
For a cozy dessert spread, serve these bars alongside a pot of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. If you’re hosting brunch, they’re delightful with a fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for something extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation: cut the bars into triangles, mini squares, or even use cookie cutters for festive shapes. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand or wrap individual bars in parchment for charming take-home treats. However you slice them, Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to five days. The cream cheese frosting keeps beautifully chilled, so you can enjoy a sweet snack all week long.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bars (frosted or unfrosted) in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
While these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are usually enjoyed cold or at room temperature, you can briefly warm them (unfrosted) in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to gently soften the crumb. Add the frosting after reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make these bars without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are totally optional and the Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting will be just as delicious and moist without them. If you have allergies or simply prefer a nut-free treat, feel free to leave them out.
What can I use instead of crushed pineapple?
If you don’t have crushed pineapple on hand, you can substitute with applesauce for a similar moistness and gentle sweetness. Just be sure to use the same amount for best results.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes, so check with a toothpick for doneness.
Is it possible to make the frosting ahead of time?
Definitely. The cream cheese frosting can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before spreading over your cooled bars for perfect consistency.
Can I add coconut or raisins to the bars?
Of course! For extra texture and flavor, fold in 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut or raisins along with the carrots and pineapple. It’s a delicious twist that makes these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting even more special.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little extra joy into your kitchen, give these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting a try. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and sure to make you the hero of any dessert table. Happy baking!
Print
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist, flavorful Carrot Cake Bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these bars combine grated carrots and crushed pineapple for a tender, sweet texture. An easy-to-make dessert that’s ideal for spring gatherings or anytime you crave a classic carrot cake in bar form.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Carrots and Pineapple: Stir in the finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple to the wet mixture, incorporating them evenly throughout.
- Combine Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then continue mixing until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. For cleaner slices, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for a short time before cutting into 12 squares and serving.
Notes
- These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for freshness.
- For extra flavor and texture, add 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut or raisins to the batter.
- Chill the frosted bars before slicing to achieve cleaner, neater cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
