Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy, these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are exactly what you need. Imagine everything you love about a classic carrot cake—warm spices, tender carrots, and rich cream cheese frosting—transformed into convenient, handheld bars. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself at home, these bars deliver all the comfort of carrot cake without the fuss of layering or decorating a full cake.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and fuss-free: No need for fancy cake pans or complicated steps—just bake, cool, frost, and cut into squares.

Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring out the warmth and depth of flavor that makes carrot cake unforgettable.

Creamy, dreamy frosting: The silky cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the moist carrot base.

Crowd-pleasing dessert: These bars are portable, sliceable, and absolutely irresistible—making them a hit at any gathering.

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Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

2 cups grated carrots – The star of the recipe, adding natural sweetness, moisture, and a tender texture.

1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the bars.

1 teaspoon baking powder – Ensures a light, fluffy rise.

½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the carrots’ natural acidity to help the bars rise evenly.

½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and that classic carrot cake flavor.

½ teaspoon nutmeg – A subtle spice that deepens the flavor.

¼ teaspoon ground ginger – A touch of zing to balance the sweetness.

2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide richness.

¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bars while helping with structure.

½ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and a slight molasses depth.

½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the bars moist and tender.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a hint of sweetness.

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.

½ cup raisins (optional) – Brings chewiness and extra sweetness.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened) – The creamy base of the frosting, tangy and rich.

½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds silkiness and depth of flavor.

2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and creates a smooth texture.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and rounds out the sweetness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Fold in Carrots and Add-Ins

Stir in the grated carrots, then fold in optional nuts and raisins.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the vanilla extract until fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Slice

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake. Cut into bars or squares and serve.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Bars

Use freshly grated carrots: Pre-shredded store-bought carrots are too dry—freshly grated ensures maximum moisture.

Room temperature ingredients: Allow cream cheese and butter to soften before making frosting for the smoothest texture.

Chill before cutting: For neat slices, refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Customize with add-ins: Swap nuts for shredded coconut or add pineapple chunks for extra flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Dessert platter: Serve alongside brownies and lemon bars for a colorful dessert spread.

Brunch addition: Pair with coffee, tea, or a chai latte for a sweet mid-morning treat.

Special occasions: Dress them up with a sprinkle of crushed walnuts, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of caramel.

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Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting prove that a dessert can be simple to make while still tasting luxurious. Packed with warm spices, moist carrot goodness, and topped with velvety cream cheese frosting, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for a casual family snack or a show-stopping party dessert, they bring comfort and elegance to every bite.

If you’ve been craving the flavors of classic carrot cake without the hassle of making a f

ull layered cake, this recipe is your answer. Easy, irresistible, and always a hit—these bars will quickly become your new go-to dessert.