Carrot Cake Bars
These Carrot Cake Bars are moist, tender, and warmly spiced, topped with rich cream cheese frosting for the ultimate spring dessert. Baked in one pan and easy to slice, they deliver all the classic carrot cake flavor without the hassle of layering—perfect for Easter, brunch, and bake sales.
Ingredients
- For the Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 2 cups finely grated carrots about 3–4 medium carrots
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger optional
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- ½ cup raisins optional
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Stir in finely grated carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Fold in nuts or raisins if using.
- Step 3: Bake
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Step 4: Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Spread evenly over cooled bars.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- Grate carrots finely for best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep bars tender.
- Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
- Chill slightly before slicing for clean, even squares.
- Bars taste even better the next day.