If you love classic carrot cake, these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting will be your new go-to dessert! They have all the warm spices, rich texture, and moist crumb of traditional carrot cake—without the hassle of layering!
Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfectly spiced, slightly chewy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, party, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Bars
✔️ Easy to Make – No layering, just bake and frost!
✔️ Ultra Moist & Flavorful – Thanks to grated carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for Easter, potlucks, or weekend treats.
✔️ Better Than Store-Bought – Freshly baked with simple pantry ingredients!
Ingredients (Makes 16 Bars)
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 cups (200g) grated carrots
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in grated carrots and nuts (if using).
Step 2: Bake the Bars
- Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
Step 4: Frost & Serve
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars.
- Slice into 16 squares, garnish with extra chopped nuts or shredded coconut, and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 17g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 28g
(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Tips & Variations
✅ Make It Healthier – Use ½ cup applesauce + ½ cup oil instead of full oil.
✅ Extra Flavor – Add ½ cup shredded coconut or raisins to the batter.
✅ Gluten-Free Option – Substitute gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
✅ Nut-Free – Simply omit the walnuts or pecans for a nut-free version.
How to Store & Freeze
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Leave a Comment