Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Craving the classic flavors of carrot cake but don’t have the time to whip up an entire layered cake? Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect solution! These bars deliver all the goodness of a traditional carrot cake—moist, spiced cake packed with shredded carrots, nuts, and a tangy cream cheese frosting— but in a convenient, easy-to-serve bar form. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, packing a lunchbox treat, or simply enjoying a sweet snack at home, these carrot cake bars are sure to impress.

Equipment and Tools

Essential Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper (for lining the pan)
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Whisk (for mixing dry ingredients)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (for beating wet ingredients)
• Rubber spatula (for folding ingredients)
• Grater (for shredding carrots)

Preparing the Carrot Cake Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line the Pan: Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter and let it cool slightly.
2. Add Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter, whisking until smooth and combined.
3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, beating until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Mix Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the mixtures together until just combined.
2. Add Carrots and Mix-ins: Fold in the grated carrots, and if using, add the chopped nuts and raisins. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Carrot Cake Bars

1. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer using the spatula.
2. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Vanilla and Sugar: Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and thick.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

1. Frost the Cooled Bars: Once the carrot cake bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
2. Optional Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the frosting or add a light dusting of cinnamon.

Serving and Storing Carrot Cake Bars

Step 8: Slice and Serve

1. Cut into Squares: Use the parchment paper to lift the frosted bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
2. Serve: Enjoy the bars as a delightful dessert, afternoon snack, or even a special breakfast treat.

Step 9: Store the Leftovers

1. Store in the Refrigerator: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting will stay fresh and the bars will remain moist.

Tips for Success

Grate the Carrots Finely

• Fine Shreds: Grating the carrots finely ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter, providing moisture without being overly chunky.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

• Gentle Mixing: To keep the bars light and tender, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in dense bars.

Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting

• Smooth Frosting: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the frosting. This helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Variations to Try

Add Pineapple for Extra Moisture

• Pineapple Twist: Add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter for an extra moist and fruity twist on the classic carrot cake flavor.

Coconut Carrot Cake Bars

• Coconut Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut along with the carrots for a tropical flair.

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Bars

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of carrot cake without the fuss of layering and frosting a full cake. These bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of these delicious bars today—you won’t be disappointed!

FAQs

Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make these bars a day or two ahead of time. Simply store them in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.

Can I Freeze Carrot Cake Bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Carrots?

While you can use pre-shredded carrots in a pinch, freshly grated carrots provide better moisture and flavor.

What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese Frosting?

If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can use a simple vanilla buttercream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

How Can I Make the Bars Healthier?

You can reduce the sugar in the recipe by using a sugar substitute, and replace some of the butter with applesauce for a healthier version of these bars.

Yield: 16 Bars

Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Print

Craving the classic flavors of carrot cake but don’t have the time to whip up an entire layered cake? Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect solution! These bars deliver all the goodness of a traditional carrot cake—moist, spiced cake packed with shredded carrots, nuts, and a tangy cream cheese frosting— but in a convenient, easy-to-serve bar form. Whether you're hosting a gathering, packing a lunchbox treat, or simply enjoying a sweet snack at home, these carrot cake bars are sure to impress.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Carrot Cake Bars:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch or 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
   
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
   
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
   
4. Incorporate the Carrots and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the grated carrots. If using, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins.
   
5. Bake the Bars:
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
   
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
   
7. Frost and Serve:
   Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Notes

Grating Carrots: For best results, use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-shredded ones, as they are more moist and flavorful.

Frosting Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a tablespoon of maple syrup to the cream cheese frosting for extra flavor.

Storage: Store the Carrot Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the bars a day in advance, then frost them just before serving. The flavor develops even more after sitting overnight.