1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Decadent Carrot Cake Bars

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

Combine spiced carrot batter with pineapple, bake, and finish with creamy frosting. So good!
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:03:43 GMT
Soft and fluffy carrot bars topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. A treat for any occasion. Pin it
Soft and fluffy carrot bars topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. A treat for any occasion. | cookwithcarla.com

Turn bland carrots into a mouthwatering sweet treat with these addictive carrot cake bars covered in smooth cream cheese topping. Every mouthful delivers just the right mix of cozy spices, soft cake, and zingy frosting that'll leave you wanting more. The handy bar shape makes this traditional dessert even more convenient, great for parties or just treating yourself during a lazy afternoon.

I stumbled on this idea when I needed a travel-friendly version of my grandma's carrot cake for our family's outdoor get-together. These bars were such a success that they've now taken the place of regular layer cake at most family events.

Key Ingredients

  • Juicy carrots: Go for medium ones to get the best moisture and natural sweetness
  • Real vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor in both the cake and topping
  • Cream cheese: Stick with full-fat for the creamiest, tastiest frosting
  • Top-notch spices: Newly ground cinnamon and nutmeg really make it special
  • Fresh nuts: Crunchy walnuts or pecans add the perfect texture change

Baking Success Steps

Get The Foundation Right
  • Mix all your dry stuff completely so the baking powder and spices spread out evenly.
Mix The Wet Stuff
  • Whip eggs and sugars until they're airy and puffy for the best cake feel.
Add Your Carrots
  • Gently stir in your freshly grated carrots to keep all their juiciness.
Build Your Base
  • Spread your mix evenly and tap the pan to get rid of any air pockets.
Nail The Frosting
  • Whip cream cheese and butter until they're totally lump-free before you add any sugar.
Top It Off Nicely
  • Spread your frosting in pretty waves and sprinkle chopped nuts on top.

My mom always made me hand-grate the carrots, saying the pre-shredded bags just weren't the same. After making these bars for years, I totally get what she meant now.

Rich carrot cake bars with velvety frosting, giving you sweetness and spice in each delicious bite. Pin it
Rich carrot cake bars with velvety frosting, giving you sweetness and spice in each delicious bite. | cookwithcarla.com

Ways To Serve

Show off these bars with some fresh berries or a spoonful of whipped cream. For fancy times, add a little caramel drizzle and some toasted coconut flakes.

Fun Twists

Throw in some crushed pineapple for a vacation vibe, or mix in orange zest for a citrus kick. Try using browned butter in your frosting for a deeper, nutty flavor.

Keeping It Fresh

Store your bars in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days. Let them sit out a bit before eating so they taste their best.

Scrumptious carrot cake bars topped with silky cream cheese frosting, giving you a juicy and tasty dessert. Pin it
Scrumptious carrot cake bars topped with silky cream cheese frosting, giving you a juicy and tasty dessert. | cookwithcarla.com

Final Thoughts

After making batch after batch, these carrot cake bars have become my go-to dessert for family events. What makes them so good comes down to using great ingredients and taking your time. While they're pretty simple to make, it's the little things that turn basic stuff into an amazing treat that brings everyone together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make these gluten-free?
Swap the regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make them gluten-free.
→ What are good nut alternatives?
Pecans, almonds, or just leave the nuts out for no-nut bars.
→ What’s the best way to store extras?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them warm up before you eat.
→ Can I freeze them?
Yep! Wrap them up tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them unthaw in the fridge.
→ Can I throw in other add-ins?
Go for it! Mix in shredded coconut or raisins for more flavor.

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot bars with warm spices and rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for sharing.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Carrot Cake Squares

01 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
02 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 2 cups grated carrots
07 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
08 1/2 cup brown sugar
09 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, strained
10 3 large eggs
11 2 cups all-purpose flour
12 1 cup white sugar
13 1/2 cup butter, softened
14 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

→ Frosting with Cream Cheese

16 1/4 cup softened butter
17 2 cups powdered sugar
18 8 oz softened cream cheese
19 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with grease so nothing sticks.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until it's all blended.

Step 03

Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the white and brown sugars until it's airy and light. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

One at a time, blend in the eggs, making sure each egg is well mixed before the next. Stir in the vanilla after.

Step 05

Slowly combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use the lowest speed on your mixer, and don't over-stir so your bars stay soft.

Step 06

Fold the pineapple, shredded carrots, and walnuts (if you're adding them) into the batter gently until it's spread throughout.

Step 07

Spread the batter evenly in your greased pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick pulled from the center is clean. Let cool in the pan.

Step 08

Blend the softened butter and cream cheese till there are no lumps. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar, a bit at a time, mixing until it's smooth.

Step 09

Once your carrot squares are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top. Slice into squares and dig in. Perfectly sweet and creamy!

Notes

  1. Throw in shredded coconut or some raisins for a fun twist to the batter.
  2. Softened butter and cream cheese make the frosting smooth and silky, so don't skip this step.
  3. These freeze well for up to 3 months; defrost them in the fridge overnight before eating.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9×13 inch pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire rack for cooling

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cream cheese, butter).
  • Could have nuts if you add walnuts.
  • Use gluten-free flour to make it safe for gluten allergies.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 3 g