If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a burst of springtime all at once, this Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender, moist layers packed with fresh grated carrots, fragrant spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are an irresistible treat that’s easy to whip up. Whether you’re craving a quick homemade snack or a charming dessert to share with friends, these carrot cake bars deliver big flavor and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Carrot Cake Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture that makes these bars stand out. From the warm spices to the fresh carrots and optional nuts or pineapple, each element plays a crucial role.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your bars, keeping them tender but firm.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough to stay light and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a subtle lift and works with acidic ingredients for perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a cozy spice that’s classic in carrot desserts.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a warm, aromatic note.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender without overpowering flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness, perfect for balance.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to richness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor and sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with clean sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a delicate fragrance.
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots: The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch and a nutty note that’s wonderfully complementary.
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional): Introduces a hint of tropical sweetness and extra moisture.
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The rich, tangy base for a classic frosting.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and creaminess.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor for a perfect finish.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and preheat
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step ensures your carrot cake bars won’t stick and will bake evenly into perfect squares.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures the spices and leavening agents get distributed evenly for that perfect flavor and texture.
Step 3: Whisk wet ingredients
In a larger bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. This step creates a rich, sweet base that will hydrate the dry ingredients beautifully.
Step 4: Combine with carrots and mix
Fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture. Then gently stir in the dry ingredients just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep your bars tender. If you’re adding nuts or pineapple, fold them in at this stage to distribute them evenly without breaking up the batter.
Step 5: Bake your bars
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting for the best results.
Step 6: Make the cream cheese frosting
Using a mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until silky and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfect for spreading on your cooled carrot cake bars.
Step 7: Frost and slice
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of your cooled bars. Then slice into 12 squares or as desired. Each bite will offer a perfect balance of moist, spiced carrot cake paired with that creamy, tangy frosting.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair to your carrot cake bars can be as simple as sprinkling chopped walnuts or toasted coconut flakes on top of the frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey creates an inviting aroma and makes the bars even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for a light contrast against their richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider arranging the carrot cake bars on a decorative board with sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers to brighten the presentation. You can also cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve on cocktail skewers for easy party snacking that’s both cute and convenient.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover carrot cake bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The frosting stays fresh and creamy, while the cake maintains its moist texture, making it easy to enjoy a quick sweet bite anytime during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then add the cream cheese frosting fresh. This way, you keep the frosting’s texture silky and the bars delicious.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars slightly warm, gently heat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Avoid heating any frosted parts to keep the frosting fresh and smooth. Warming unfrosted bars is also a lovely way to bring out their spicy aroma before frosting and serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil?
Absolutely! You can use a mild-flavored oil like canola or light olive oil. Just avoid using strong-flavored oils, which might overpower the delicate sweetness of the carrots and spices.
Is it necessary to add pineapple and nuts?
Not at all. They’re optional ingredients that add texture and a slight tropical or nutty twist. If you or your guests have allergies or preferences, feel free to leave them out—your bars will still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize the carrot cake bars, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use a plant-based cream cheese and butter substitute, and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. The applesauce helps keep the bars moist, which is a plus here!
What’s the best way to grate carrots for this recipe?
Finely grate your carrots using a microplane or the small side of a box grater. This ensures they blend smoothly into the batter, providing moisture and sweetness without large chunky bits.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture. Keep an eye on baking time as gluten-free mixes sometimes bake a bit faster or slower.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you give this Carrot Cake Bars Recipe a try. It’s delightfully easy to make, with approachable ingredients and a result that feels like a thoughtful homemade gift. Perfect for a cozy afternoon, festive gatherings, or simply when you need a little sweet comfort. Once you try these bars, I’m sure they’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, featuring a tender crumb studded with grated carrots, walnuts, and pineapple, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for spring or fall gatherings, these bars combine warm spices with a luscious frosting to satisfy your dessert cravings in an easy, handheld format.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Add Carrots and Fold Dry in: Stir the finely grated carrots into the wet mixture. Then, gradually fold in the dry ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps the bars tender.
- Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and the drained crushed pineapple if using. These add complementary textures and flavors.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked.
- Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost and Slice: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent the cream cheese frosting from spoiling.
- These carrot cake bars are dense and moist, making them a perfect dessert or snack to enjoy during spring or fall gatherings.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the sugar slightly or add a bit more powdered sugar to the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
