If you’re craving the comforting flavor of carrot cake without committing to layers and frosting drama, these Carrot Cake Bars are your new favorite dessert. Soft, chewy, and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they deliver classic taste in a fraction of the time. Whether it’s for Easter, a fall brunch, or just a cozy afternoon with coffee, these bars fit the moment.
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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy, Moist & Irresistible
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
Description
These moist carrot cake bars are packed with freshly grated carrots and warm spices and topped with creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting. A no-mixer, one-pan dessert that’s perfect for holidays or weekday cravings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
1¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon each: nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice
Wet Ingredients:
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1¼ cups packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1¼ cups finely grated fresh carrots (about 2 large carrots)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz softened cream cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
In another bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
Add eggs and vanilla to the wet mixture and whisk until smooth.
Fold in the dry ingredients just until combined.
Stir in the grated carrots gently—do not overmix.
Spread batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth.
Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
Slice into 9 squares and serve.
Notes
Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars and add frosting after thawing.
Optional toppings: crushed walnuts, dusted cinnamon, or piped frosting carrots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bars & Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: carrot cake bars, easy dessert, spring baking, cream cheese frosting, Easter bars
table of content
Table of Contents
The Story Behind These Carrot Cake Bars
Hi, I’m Elina—home cook, recipe developer, and mom behind Easy Meals Table. These Carrot Cake Bars were inspired by the classic carrot cake my grandmother made every spring, but I’ve simplified them into a one-pan, no-fuss treat. They’re moist, rich with cozy spices, and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting—no mixer needed. Whether for Easter, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars bring all the flavor of traditional carrot cake without the hassle. Quick, comforting, and freezer-friendly—they’re a sweet win for busy kitchens.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars That Stay Moist and Flavorful
These carrot cake bars are unbelievably simple to make and loaded with classic spice and carrot flavor. You don’t need a mixer—just a whisk, two bowls, and a few pantry staples. From batter to frosted perfection, this dessert is ready in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required for these soft, chewy carrot cake bars:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon each: nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1¼ cups packed dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups finely grated fresh carrots (about 2 large carrots)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Looking to personalize it? Add ½ cup chopped walnuts, golden raisins, or a little crushed pineapple for more texture and flavor. You can find more creative bakes like this in our Cookies or Bars & Brownies categories.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and leave a slight overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add the grated carrots and mix just until combined. The batter will be thick, which is perfect for dense, chewy bars.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake—they continue cooking slightly as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Let the bars cool completely before frosting. To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and creamy.
Step 7: Decorate and Serve
Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with cinnamon or top with chopped walnuts if you like. Slice into squares and serve.
Need decorating ideas or want to turn these into a holiday treat? Check out the inspiration in our Cakes & Pies section.
s & Pies or Bars & Brownies for family-tested ideas that never fail.
Expert Tips, Swaps & FAQs for the Best Carrot Cake Bars
Want your carrot cake bars to taste bakery-worthy every time? A few small adjustments can take this simple treat from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for the first time or tweaking it to suit your taste, these expert tips and trending questions will help you master the recipe.
Bake Like a Pro with These Simple Tips
Grate carrots finely, always.
The secret to moist and evenly textured carrot cake bars is finely grated carrots. Use a box grater’s small holes or a microplane. Avoid pre-shredded carrots—they’re dry and won’t melt into the batter.
Use fresh spices for bold flavor.
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger lose strength over time. For vibrant, classic flavor in your carrot cake bars, make sure your spices are no older than six months. Here’s a spice storage guide from The Kitchn (DoFollow) to help.
Don’t overmix the batter.
After combining the dry and wet ingredients, stir only until the flour disappears. Overmixing creates tough bars. The batter should be thick, like brownie batter—perfect for chewy, dense carrot cake bars.
Let them cool completely before frosting.
Warm bars will melt the cream cheese frosting. For clean, neat slices and the best taste, let your carrot cake bars cool to room temperature before decorating.
Explore more smart baking ideas in our Bars & Brownies or Cakes & Pies sections for quick dessert wins.
Ingredient Swaps and Delicious Add-Ins
Make it gluten-free:
Replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. These carrot cake bars bake beautifully with most store-bought blends.
Try a dairy-free version:
Substitute plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese. You can find reliable options at Whole Foods Market (DoFollow) or any natural foods store.
Optional Mix-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ⅓ cup golden raisins
- ¼ cup crushed pineapple (well drained)
Want more mix-in magic? Our Cookies section is full of ideas you can adapt into bar recipes too!
Storing, Serving, and Decorating Your Carrot Cake Bars
Once you’ve baked and frosted these soft and chewy carrot cake bars, you’ll want to keep them tasting fresh. Whether you’re preparing them ahead for a party or saving leftovers for a sweet snack, here’s how to store them the right way—and serve them with style.
How to Store Carrot Cake Bars
Refrigerator:
Because of the cream cheese frosting, your carrot cake bars should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature for 15–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer:
To freeze, leave the frosting off. Once the carrot cake bars are baked and completely cooled, slice them and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving. Get more freezing safety tips from this USDA guide (DoFollow).
Room temperature (short term):
If you’re serving the bars within a few hours and your kitchen is cool, they can sit at room temperature briefly. However, for food safety, don’t leave cream cheese frosting out for more than 2 hours.
Creative Ways to Serve and Decorate
Want to make your carrot cake bars stand out? These easy tips take them from simple to stunning.
1. Use a piping bag:
Add a swirl of cream cheese frosting on each bar instead of spreading it flat. Use a star tip for a bakery-style finish. Great for special occasions like Easter or baby showers.
2. Dust with spice:
Lightly dust ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the frosted top for extra cozy flavor and visual appeal.
3. Add crunch:
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting before it sets. This adds texture and makes your bars look professionally finished.
4. Holiday designs:
Feeling creative? Use orange and green colored frosting to pipe tiny carrots on top. It’s a fun activity for kids and adds a festive touch. You can find ideas like this in our Cakes & Pies section.
5. Pair with drinks:
Serve your carrot cake bars with hot tea, coffee, or cold milk. For holiday brunches, they go perfectly with a chai latte or a warm vanilla almond milk.
Explore more quick and festive desserts in our Under 30 Minutes section, perfect for busy weeks and last-minute guests.
Carrot cake bars are the perfect solution when you crave the cozy taste of carrot cake but don’t want the hassle of a layered dessert. These bars are rich, moist, and topped with irresistible cream cheese frosting—making them ideal for spring gatherings, Easter brunch, or simply treating yourself.
For best results, always use finely grated carrots and fresh spices, and allow the bars to cool fully before frosting. And if you’re curious about food safety when using cream cheese, the FDA offers helpful storage guidelines (DoFollow). Planning to freeze your bars? Review the USDA’s freezing and thawing tips (DoFollow) to preserve taste and texture.
Want more easy one-pan desserts? Visit our Bars & Brownies collection, or browse Cookies for quick, family-approved treats. For festive favorites like this one, check out our Cakes & Pies too.
With minimal effort and big flavor, these carrot cake bars will become your go-to dessert—easy to make, easier to love.
FAQs
What’s the difference between carrot cake and carrot cake bars?
Traditional carrot cake is usually a layered dessert with a fluffier texture. Carrot cake bars are denser, baked in a single pan, and easier to slice and serve. They’re great for casual occasions and meal prep.
Can I freeze carrot cake bars?
Yes, and they freeze well. For best results, freeze them unfrosted in a freezer-safe container. Once thawed, add fresh cream cheese frosting. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Learn more from this USDA freezing guide (DoFollow).
Do carrot cake bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because of the cream cheese frosting, carrot cake bars should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container. They last up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. The FDA’s dairy safety guide (DoFollow) explains more.
Can I make carrot cake bars without nuts or raisins?
Absolutely. These bars are incredibly flavorful on their own, so skipping nuts or raisins doesn’t affect the texture or sweetness. They’re flexible, which makes them perfect for picky eaters.