Carrot Cake Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No layering or complicated steps—just bake, frost, and slice.
• Perfectly Spiced: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger enhances the flavor.
• Moist and Tender: The shredded carrots keep these bars soft and delicious.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, holidays, or a quick homemade dessert.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: A smooth, sweet, and tangy topping that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded carrots

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
6. Fold in Carrots: Gently fold in the shredded carrots, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
7. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
8. Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
9. Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, slice into bars, and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Healthier Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
• Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for deeper warmth.
• Raisin Option: Mix in ½ cup raisins for a sweet, chewy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
• Serving Tip: Let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Freshly grated carrots are best, as pre-shredded ones tend to be drier and less flavorful.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can replace butter with vegetable or coconut oil for a slightly different texture.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the bars a day ahead and store them covered at room temperature. Frost before serving.

Can I make these into cupcakes?

Yes! Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing for neat edges.

Can I reduce the sugar in the frosting?

Yes, you can use less powdered sugar, but the frosting will be softer.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

If frosted, yes. Store them in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.

How can I make the frosting extra smooth?

Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing, and beat until fluffy.

Can I use a different pan size?

You can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars, but baking time may increase by 5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Bars are a simple yet delicious dessert packed with warm spices, shredded carrots, and a rich cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to be a favorite among family and friends. Try them today and enjoy a sweet, spiced treat!

Carrot Cake Bars

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These Carrot Cake Bars deliver all the flavors of classic carrot cake in a simple, easy-to-make bar form. Soft, moist, and packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these bars are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a quick homemade dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 25-30min
• Total Time: 1h15min
• Yield: 12-16min
• Category: Dessert, Bars
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

 

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded carrots

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the Bars:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the shredded carrots, ensuring even distribution.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting:

9. Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and well blended.

Assemble and Serve:

11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
12. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

• For extra crunch, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
• For a healthier version, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cloves or allspice.
• For a chewy texture, mix in ½ cup raisins.
• For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.