If you’re on the hunt for a baked treat that perfectly balances moist, spiced cake with the luscious tang of a creamy topping, then this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender bars bursting with fresh shredded carrots, a hint of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that’s sweet but just tangy enough to keep every bite interesting. These bars are not only incredibly satisfying but also wonderfully easy to make, making them an irresistible choice for everything from casual afternoon snacks to special gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in making these carrot cake bars utterly delicious. From the spices that give it that inviting warmth to the cream cheese frosting that adds richness, every item on this list is essential for nailing the perfect texture and flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and a tender crumb to the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and keeps them light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a slight lift and balances acidity for even baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors and provides balance.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy spice that’s classic in carrot cakes.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (optional): Offers a gentle zing that enhances the spice profile.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moistness and a mild caramel undertone.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant note to the batter.
- 2 cups shredded carrots: The star ingredient for flavor, color, and moisture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch and nuttiness.
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional): Brings bursts of sweetness and chewiness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Essential for silky, tangy frosting.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and smooth texture to frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing to ensure your bars will come out clean and intact. This simple step is key to effortless removal later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional ginger. This blend of dry ingredients creates the perfect spice-infused base for your carrot cake bars, ensuring every bite is filled with cozy warmth.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until you achieve a smooth mixture, which will give your bars a velvety texture and even sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients with Add-ins
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mix, stirring gently to keep the batter light. Next, fold in the shredded carrots along with chopped nuts and raisins if you’re using them. The key here is not to overmix, so the texture stays tender and the carrots remain delightfully moist.
Step 5: Bake Your Batter
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly baked batch of carrot cake bars.
Step 6: Let Your Bars Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. This cooldown step is crucial because frosting warm bars can lead to a melty mess instead of the silky topping you want.
Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and just right to spread generously over your cooled carrot cake bars.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. For an extra touch, sprinkle the top with chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon. Slice into squares or rectangles, and you’re ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to taste these!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish elevates your carrot cake bars both visually and in flavor. Toasted nuts provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting. A sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon on top adds aroma and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
These bars shine alongside a simple cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect companion for brunch or afternoon treats. Pairing them with fresh fruit such as berries or slices of citrus can also brighten the plate and balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a pretty platter with decorative toothpicks. You can also layer a few bars and frosting in clear mason jars for a charming dessert presentation that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, these carrot cake bars keep best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days, making them ideal for busy weeks or meal planning.
Freezing
If you want to make your Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in advance, you can freeze them before frosting. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to preserve the frosting’s texture, avoid reheating if possible. If you prefer the cake warm, serve unfrosted bars slightly warmed in the oven or microwave and add frosting just before eating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil?
Yes! You can use canola oil, melted coconut oil, or even light olive oil for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just stick to the same quantity to keep the bars moist.
Do I have to use walnuts or pecans?
Not at all. Nuts are optional and you can leave them out or swap them for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you want a nut-free option.
How do I get the frosting to be smooth and creamy?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before beating. This prevents lumps and helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.
How long do the bars last if frosted?
When stored in the fridge in an airtight container, these bars will stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days, thanks to the cream cheese frosting.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly feels like a little hug on a plate—comforting, sweet, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, these bars deliver all the warm and cozy vibes carrot cake lovers adore, wrapped up in a convenient, easy-to-share format. So go ahead, whip up a batch and watch how quickly these favorites disappear!
Print
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Carrot Cake Bars feature a moist and flavorful carrot cake base spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional ginger, studded with walnuts and raisins for added texture. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for a delicious dessert or snack that’s easy to make in a single 9×13 inch pan.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional ginger until evenly combined. Set this aside for later.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract thoroughly until well blended and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Fold in the shredded carrots, chopped nuts, and raisins if using, making sure not to overmix to keep the batter light.
- Bake the bars: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bars: Allow the carrot cake bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting of the frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 12-16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to avoid the frosting melting.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
- Raisins are optional; feel free to omit or replace with shredded coconut or chopped pineapple for variation.
- Store carrot cake bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- Bringing cream cheese and butter to room temperature before frosting makes it easier to achieve a smooth, fluffy consistency.
