There’s something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about a perfectly spiced Carrot Cake. It’s a timeless dessert, beloved for its tender crumb, warm spices, and the delightful texture from grated carrots and often, nuts and fruit. This recipe for Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting takes all the classic flavors you adore and transforms them into convenient, easy-to-share bars. With a rich, moist cake base and a tangy, creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big proponent of taking classic, beloved recipes and making them approachable for the home baker, and this Carrot Cake Bars recipe does just that. What I particularly love about these bars is the incredible moisture and tenderness they achieve, thanks to the combination of grated carrots and a touch of crushed pineapple. The warmth of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger truly shines through, perfectly complementing the sweetness. And that cream cheese frosting? It’s the essential crowning glory—tangy, sweet, and perfectly smooth. These bars are easy to transport and serve, making them a fantastic option for parties, but honestly, they’re so good, you’ll want to make them just for yourself!
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars:
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Swaps and Notes
- Carrots: Freshly grated carrots are a must for the best texture and moisture. Avoid pre-shredded carrots if possible, as they tend to be drier.
- Crushed Pineapple: The crushed pineapple adds an incredible amount of moisture and a subtle tropical tang. Make sure to drain it very well to prevent the bars from becoming too wet or dense.
- Walnuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can omit them, or substitute with pecans or even raisins for a different twist. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor.
- Spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger is classic for carrot cake. Feel free to add a pinch of allspice or cloves for an even richer spice profile, or adjust the amounts to your taste.
- Butter & Eggs: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth batter and creamy, lump-free frosting.
- Brown Sugar: Packed light or dark brown sugar will work. Dark brown sugar will lend a slightly deeper molasses flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Follow these steps to bake your wonderfully moist Carrot Cake Bars:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Fold in Carrots & Pineapple: Gently fold in the grated carrots, thoroughly drained crushed pineapple, and the optional chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. It is essential that the cake is fully cooled before you apply the frosting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until it is incorporated, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light, creamy, and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost & Garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Cut & Serve: Cut the frosted cake into individual bars. If desired, garnish each bar with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Tips for Success
- Grate Your Own Carrots: Freshly grated carrots yield the best texture and moisture. Avoid the pre-shredded bags if possible.
- Drain Pineapple VERY Well: This is perhaps the most critical step for the right texture. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the crushed pineapple.
- Room Temperature is Key: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter and frosting.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the cake batter develops gluten, resulting in a dense, tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting a warm cake will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide right off. Be patient!
- Sift Powdered Sugar: For the frosting, sifting powdered sugar can help prevent lumps, ensuring a super smooth result.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful stand-alone dessert. They are perfect for dessert buffets, potlucks, lunchboxes, or a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee or tea. For a simple garnish, a dusting of cinnamon or a few extra chopped walnuts can enhance their appeal. A glass of cold milk or a warm spiced latte would be an ideal beverage pairing.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store leftover Carrot Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days due to the cream cheese frosting. Allow them to come closer to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor. These bars also freeze well: place unfrosted bars in a single layer, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. The frosting can be frozen separately or applied after thawing. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the warm spices and comforting flavors of these Carrot Cake Bars, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic fall-inspired and sweet treats:
- For another easy and comforting pumpkin treat, check out These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat To Bake On Repeat.
- If you’re a fan of no-bake seasonal desserts, my This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat is a must-try.
- For a delightful way to use up overripe bananas and satisfy a sweet craving, try This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas.
- If you’re looking for an incredible make-ahead dessert perfect for holidays, my These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert are absolutely phenomenal.
- And for an intensely rich and satisfying chocolate indulgence, you absolutely have to try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
Final Thoughts
These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a testament to the enduring appeal of classic flavors brought together in a convenient, utterly delicious format. They’re moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with that irresistible tangy frosting—a treat that’s perfect for any occasion and always brings smiles.
What are your favorite hidden ingredients that add moisture to baked goods? I’d love to hear your secrets in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful recipes and baking inspiration.
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