Name: Carrot Cake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I make Carrot Cake Bars when I want all the cozy flavor of classic carrot cake in an easy, sliceable form. They’re soft, moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a creamy frosting that makes every bite feel comforting and familiar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simpler than a layered cake but just as satisfying. The bars bake evenly, slice cleanly, and are perfect for sharing. I also like how well they keep, making them great for make-ahead desserts or casual gatherings. Carrot Cake Bars

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
salt
eggs
granulated sugar
brown sugar
vegetable oil
vanilla extract
finely grated carrots

cream cheese
unsalted butter
powdered sugar
vanilla extract

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In another bowl, I whisk the eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. I stir in the oil and vanilla, then gently fold in the grated carrots. I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.

I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I let the bars cool completely.

For the frosting, I beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. I spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars before slicing.

Servings and Timing

I usually get 12 bars from this recipe.
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Bake time: about 30 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: about 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. When I want extra texture, I mix in shredded coconut or raisins. I also like adding orange zest to the frosting for a brighter flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store Carrot Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When serving, I let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes so the frosting softens slightly. I don’t usually reheat them.

FAQs

Can I make carrot cake bars ahead of time?

I often make them a day ahead, since the flavor improves as they rest.

Can I skip the frosting?

I enjoy them plain too, but I think the cream cheese frosting makes them extra special.

How finely should I grate the carrots?

I grate them finely so they blend smoothly into the batter.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and they turn out well.

Do carrot cake bars freeze well?

I freeze the unfrosted bars and frost them after thawing for best texture.

Conclusion

I keep Carrot Cake Bars in my baking rotation because they’re easy, comforting, and full of classic flavor. With warm spices, tender crumb, and creamy frosting, this recipe gives me a dependable dessert that always feels homemade and satisfying.

Carrot Cake Bars

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Soft, moist carrot cake bars packed with warm spices and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, delivering classic carrot cake flavor in an easy, sliceable form.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
Fold in the grated carrots, then add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and slice before serving.