If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both comforting and bursting with warmth, look no further than this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars capture all the cozy spices and moist texture of traditional carrot cake, but with a simpler, portable twist. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of tender, spiced cake topped with luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting, making them an instant favorite for any occasion from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be the bars everyone asks you to bring again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful carrot cake bars, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or texture, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides the perfect structure to keep your bars tender yet sturdy.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise to a light, fluffy texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with acidic ingredients to add lift and softness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings that classic warm spice note essential for carrot cake.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth and richness to the spice profile.
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle zing that complements the other spices.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and add richness to the texture.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the bars moist and tender throughout.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Enhances sweetness without weighing down the bars.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a fragrant sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
- Finely grated carrots (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient offering freshness, sweetness, and vibrant color.
- Crushed pineapple, drained (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tropical twist to the flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast.
For the cream cheese frosting:
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): The creamy tangy base of our luscious frosting.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup): Adds richness and smooth texture.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor, adding a lovely aromatic touch.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the cream cheese flavor.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This simple preparation assures your carrot cake bars will come out clean and beautiful, ready for the delicious frosting later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Combining your spices and leavening agents evenly here ensures every bite of your bars is consistently flavorful and tender.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the rich base that keeps your carrot cake bars wonderfully moist and sweet.
Step 4: Incorporate the Carrots and Pineapple
Fold in the finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple. These fresh ingredients add natural sweetness, moisture, and that beloved carrot cake texture that makes this recipe so special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures and Add Nuts
Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined to avoid overmixing. If you love a bit of crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans now. This adds a delightful texture contrast that’s hard to resist.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let your carrot cake bars cool completely in the pan before moving on to the frosting.
Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until the frosting is creamy and light — absolutely perfect for spreading that signature topping over your cooled bars.
Step 8: Frost the Bars and Chill
Spread your luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Pop the pan in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the frosting set — this step will make slicing crisp and clean, so your bars look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped nuts make a lovely garnish, adding visual appeal and crunch to these bars. For a whimsical touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon atop the frosting or even some finely shredded toasted coconut to complement the tropical pineapple inside.
Side Dishes
These carrot cake bars are delicious on their own, but serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can turn your dessert into a decadent experience. A hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee pairs beautifully, highlighting the warm spices in the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, cut the bars into small squares and arrange them on a pretty platter garnished with edible flowers or fresh carrot greens. You can also serve them stacked with frosting visible on the sides for a rustic yet elegant dessert display at parties or brunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Chilling enhances the frosting’s texture and keeps the bars moist and flavorful, so they taste just as wonderful days later.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time or save extras, you can freeze the unfrosted carrot cake bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Once thawed completely in the fridge, add the cream cheese frosting fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since these bars are best served chilled, avoid microwaving after frosting. If you prefer a slightly warmer bite, gently warm an unfrosted bar in the microwave for 10 seconds, then add frosting before serving. This keeps the balance of moist cake and creamy frosting just right.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another oil?
Absolutely! You can use light olive oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil as a substitute. Just keep in mind that some oils may slightly change the flavor, but overall, the moisture and texture will remain delicious.
What can I use instead of crushed pineapple?
If you don’t have crushed pineapple, unsweetened applesauce or finely grated apple can be great alternatives to keep the batter moist and add natural sweetness.
Are these carrot cake bars gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking, keeping in mind texture may vary slightly.
Can I make these bars vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer and use vegan cream cheese and vegan butter substitutes in the frosting. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors with plant-based ingredients.
How do I get clean slices when cutting these bars?
Make sure the bars are completely cooled and the frosting is chilled. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts, and for the neatest edges, dip the knife in warm water and dry it before slicing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes it stand out among desserts. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat, yet elegant enough for celebrations. Whether you’re a longtime carrot cake enthusiast or just discovering the magic of this wonderful carrot and spice combo, these bars bring comfort and joy in every bite. I cannot wait for you to make them your new favorite!
Print
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist and spiced carrot cake bars topped with creamy smooth cream cheese frosting, perfect for a quick dessert or snack. These bars combine grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and warm spices for a classic carrot cake flavor in an easy-to-serve bar form.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until evenly combined to ensure an even distribution of leavening and spices in the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, creating a sweet and moist base for the batter.
- Add Carrots and Pineapple: Stir in the finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple into the wet mixture to add moisture, sweetness, and flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can result in a dense texture.
- Incorporate Nuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using, to add crunch and nutty flavor to the bars.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked.
- Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to firm up before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt and beat until the frosting is creamy and well blended.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars, ensuring full coverage.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the frosting, then slice into 16 bars with clean cuts for serving.
Notes
- You can omit the nuts or substitute them with raisins or shredded coconut to customize texture and flavor.
- Store the carrot cake bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from spoiling.
