Description
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a moist, spiced carrot cake base topped with a rich, smooth cream cheese frosting, transforming a classic dessert into an easy-to-enjoy bar form. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 6–8 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapples, drained
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and gradually add in the granulated sugar. Mix in the vegetable oil until combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapples into the wet mixture until well-distributed.
- Incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift it out with the parchment paper and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.
- Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice for extra aroma.
- Use fresh carrots and quality cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bars.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Serve bars at room temperature for optimal flavor and frosting texture.
- These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Substitute nuts with seeds for a nut-free option.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Decadent Carrot Cake Bars, Carrot Cake Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Carrot Cake Recipe, Dessert Bars, Spiced Carrot Cake, Moist Carrot Cake, Easy Carrot Cake Bars, Homemade Carrot Cake Bars