Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect combination of moist, spiced cake and tangy, luscious frosting. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert for a potluck, a spring-themed brunch, or simply craving something cozy with your coffee, these bars deliver warmth and comfort in every bite.

Made with shredded carrots, warm spices, and a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, these bars offer all the classic carrot cake flavors without the fuss of stacking and layering. They slice beautifully, store easily, and taste even better the next day—if they last that long!


Can I Use Pre-Shredded Carrots or Do I Have to Grate Them Fresh?

You can absolutely use pre-shredded carrots for convenience, but freshly grated carrots give the cake a more tender texture and sweeter flavor. Pre-shredded carrots tend to be drier and thicker, which might slightly affect the moistness of your bars. If you’re in a pinch, bagged carrots work, but if you want that truly melt-in-your-mouth texture, grab a grater!


Ingredients for the Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrots – The star of the show. Freshly grated carrots provide moisture, natural sweetness, and that classic carrot cake feel.

Brown Sugar – Adds a rich depth of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the spices and carrots.

Granulated Sugar – Balances out the brown sugar and enhances the cake’s lightness.

All-Purpose Flour – Gives the bars structure while keeping them soft and chewy.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder – These leavening agents help the bars rise just enough without becoming cakey.

Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg – These spices bring the warm, cozy flavor we associate with carrot cake.

Salt – Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together and add richness.

Vegetable Oil – Keeps the bars moist and tender.

Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavor and complements the spices.

Cream Cheese – The base of that tangy, creamy frosting.

Butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.

Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and creates that silky finish.

Chopped Pecans (optional) – For added crunch and a nutty finish.


How To Make the Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Carrots

Stir in the freshly grated carrots, folding them gently into the wet mixture.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Top with chopped pecans and a sprinkle of orange zest if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!


How to Serve and Store Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serve these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a cold glass of milk.

To store, place the frosted bars in an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s suitable for baking and already includes xanthan gum.

Do I need to peel the carrots before grating?

Peeling is recommended to remove any bitterness and achieve a smoother texture in the bars. However, if your carrots are fresh and tender, a good scrub can suffice.

Can I add raisins or pineapple?

Absolutely. Add 1/2 cup of raisins or 1/3 cup of well-drained crushed pineapple for extra sweetness and moisture.

How can I make the frosting even tangier?

Use a bit of lemon juice or extra cream cheese to up the tang factor. You can also experiment with a touch of Greek yogurt.

Should I toast the pecans before adding?

Toasting pecans brings out their flavor and adds a bit of crunch. Toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant.


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Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting


  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars

Description

These carrot cake bars are moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a silky cream cheese frosting. They’re easy to make, slice beautifully, and perfect for gatherings or snacking throughout the week.


Ingredients

Freshly grated carrots

Brown sugar

Granulated sugar

All-purpose flour

Baking soda

Baking powder

Ground cinnamon

Ground nutmeg

Salt

Eggs

Vegetable oil

Vanilla extract

Cream cheese

Butter

Powdered sugar

Chopped pecans (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13″ baking dish.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, both sugars, oil, and vanilla.
  3. Add carrots: Fold in grated carrots.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. Combine: Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Bake: Spread batter in the pan and bake 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
  9. Frost bars and sprinkle with chopped pecans if using. Slice and serve.

 


  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts

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