Carrot cake is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. But if you’re looking for a quicker, more convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of carrot cake, carrot cake bars are the perfect solution! These bars combine all the spices, moisture, and sweetness of traditional carrot cake, but with a simple and easy-to-make twist. Plus, they’re perfect for serving a crowd—whether it’s a family get-together, a potluck, or an afternoon treat.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make these irresistibly soft and spiced carrot cake bars with a light and creamy frosting. Here’s everything you need to know!
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (if needed)
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars :
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. You can also grease and flour the pan, but parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out once they’re baked.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could lead to dense bars.
5. Add the Carrots and Nuts
Fold in the freshly grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using). The carrots add moisture and a slight sweetness, while the nuts bring texture and crunch to the bars.
6. Bake the Carrot Cake Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If needed, check the bars around the 30-minute mark to ensure they’re not overbaking.
7. Cool the Bars
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the carrot cake bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. Once they’ve cooled down a bit, remove them from the pan (if using parchment paper) and let them cool completely before frosting.
8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars cool, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Frost the Carrot Cake Bars
Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle some extra chopped nuts or even a little cinnamon on top.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the moist, spiced flavor of these homemade carrot cake bars with the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting!
Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Bars
- Freshly grated carrots work best in this recipe as they provide more moisture and a fresher flavor. You can use a food processor to make grating faster.
- Don’t skip the spices: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of salt elevate the carrot cake’s flavor, so make sure to include them.
- For added richness, you can add crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter. This will make the bars even more moist and flavorful.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Bars
Carrot cake bars are a perfect way to enjoy the classic flavor of carrot cake without the hassle of layering a traditional cake. These bars are wonderfully moist, have the perfect amount of sweetness, and are topped with an indulgent cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for serving at a party, taking to a potluck, or just enjoying as a special treat.
With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these carrot cake bars in no time. They’re the ideal dessert for those who love carrot cake but need something that’s easier to slice and serve!
Final Thoughts
Carrot cake bars are a delightful twist on the traditional carrot cake, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and yields delicious results every time. So, why wait? Give these carrot cake bars a try today, and enjoy a slice of heaven with every bite!