KRAUS Kore Workstation 45-inch Undermount
Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Carrot cake bars are one of those delightful treats that bring the best of classic carrot cake into a convenient, easy-to-share form. I often find myself reaching for this recipe when I want a dessert that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. The combination of moist carrots, warm spices, and a creamy frosting makes these bars a comforting snack any time of day.
What I appreciate most about these bars is how versatile they are. Whether you’re packing them for lunch, serving them at a casual gathering, or just enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, they fit the bill perfectly. The texture strikes a nice balance—not too dense, yet substantial enough to feel like a proper treat.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with adding nuts or pineapple to enhance the flavor and moisture, and it’s always been a hit. Plus, the single-pan baking method means cleanup is a breeze, which is a big win in my book. These carrot cake bars have become a staple in my baking rotation, and I hope they’ll become one in yours too.
Quick Facts
| Servings | 4 servings |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
Recipe Highlights
Carrot cake bars have become a go-to treat in my kitchen, especially when I want something sweet but not too fussy. They’re perfect for casual get-togethers or a cozy afternoon snack with tea. What I love most is how they capture all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional carrot cake but in a convenient, handheld form. The moist texture combined with a hint of spice always feels like a little celebration in every bite. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to balance sweetness and spice just right, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser whenever I bring it along to potlucks or family gatherings.
- Reliable weeknight option
- Minimal ingredients
- Rich, crowd-pleasing flavor
- Scales well for guests
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to make the carrot cake bars. Most are common baking staples, plus fresh carrots and a few warm spices to bring out that classic flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- For the frosting: – 4 oz cream cheese, softened – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – 1 cup powdered sugar – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Get 100+ step-by-step, printable recipe cards with lifetime access—no more endless scrolling through blog posts.
How to Make It
Here’s a straightforward way to make these carrot cake bars from start to finish. Follow each step for the best texture and flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Slowly add the oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the dry ingredients just until incorporated, then gently stir in the grated carrots, nuts, and pineapple if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Cut into 12 squares and serve.
Helpful Tips
A few pointers can help you get the best results with these carrot cake bars.
- Grate the carrots finely to ensure the bars stay moist and tender.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- Use room temperature eggs and dairy for better mixing and texture.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Ingredient Swaps
If you need to swap out some ingredients, here are some practical alternatives that work well.
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier texture.
- Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter option.
- Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a different caramel note.
- Use chopped dried apricots or raisins instead of pineapple for a different fruity twist.
- Try almond or cashew cream cheese in the frosting for a dairy-free version.
Storage Tips
To keep your carrot cake bars fresh and tasty, here are some storage tips.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If unfrosted, they can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- Freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting.
- For best texture, frost just before serving if storing unfrosted in the freezer.
What to Serve With It
These bars pair nicely with a few simple accompaniments to round out your snack or dessert.
- A cup of chai tea or spiced black tea complements the warm spices.
- Vanilla or cinnamon-flavored yogurt adds a creamy contrast.
- Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears balances the sweetness.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying carrot cake bars.
All-Clad Copper Core 5 Ply Stainless Steel
CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart Toaster Oven
Nutritional Info
