Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These decadent carrot cake bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining moist, spiced cake with a rich cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil and eggs until fluffy. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
4. Step 4: Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed in the batter.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While the bars cool, prepare the frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use shredded fresh carrots for the best texture and flavor; avoid finely grated or pureed carrots.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients for extra warm spice notes.
• If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can mix half cream cheese and half Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted bars tightly wrapped for up to 3 months and thaw before frosting. When reheating, let the bars come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave to soften the cream cheese frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make vegan carrot cake bars, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer and use a plant-based cream cheese for the frosting.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or light olive oil as alternatives to vegetable oil. Each will slightly affect the flavor and texture.

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 118 reviews

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine moist, spiced carrot cake layers with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, making for an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe features a tender crumb with warm cinnamon and ginger flavors, complemented by crunchy nuts and a luscious frosting topping.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Whisk together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the vegetable oil and eggs together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth blend.
4. Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
5. Add Carrots and Nuts: Gently fold in the shredded carrots and optional chopped walnuts or pecans until evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Frosting: While the bars cool, beat together softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost and Serve: Once the carrot bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting.
• You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
• Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For extra moisture, brush the bars with a light syrup before frosting if desired.

Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, spiced carrot cake, walnut carrot bars, easy dessert, baking recipe