Name: Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil, or any mild-flavored oil); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 3 eggs; 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; pinch of ground cloves; 8 ounces finely-grated fresh carrots; optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or 1/4 cup raisins; 1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups sifted powdered sugar (use more/less to achieve your desired consistency)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

If you are looking for a delightfully moist and flavorful treat, this Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bars capture all the warm spices, sweet carrots, and creamy frosting you love in a classic carrot cake but in a convenient, easy-to-slice bar form. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a charming addition to your next gathering, these carrot cake bars are bursting with texture and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to enjoy a deliciously spiced, tender crumb that’s perfectly complemented by the smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round clear food processor bowl filled with finely shredded bright orange and yellow carrots. The shredded carrots are loosely piled inside the bowl, with thin, soft-looking strands evenly spread out, creating a textured surface. The food processor blade sits in the middle under the carrots, partially visible through the shredded pieces. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Carrot Cake Bars Recipe comes together with an inviting list of simple, essential ingredients that each play a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the moistening oil to the fresh carrots and fragrant spices, every component enriches the bars uniquely.

Avocado oil (3/4 cup): Provides moisture while keeping the bars tender without overpowering the flavors.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and aids in the lovely golden crust formation.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings a subtle molasses flavor and extra chewiness.
Eggs (3): Act as the binder, holding everything together for that perfect crumb.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon for frosting): Enhances the overall sweetness and warmth of the bars and frosting.
All-purpose flour (1 2/3 cups): The base of the batter, providing structure without heaviness.
Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds warm spice that defines the carrot cake’s signature taste.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and stay fluffy.
Fine sea salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives an extra lift to the texture.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle, nutty warmth.
Pinch of ground cloves: Offers a deep, aromatic hint to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Fresh carrots, finely grated (8 ounces): The star ingredient providing natural sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color.
Optional: chopped nuts (1/2 cup) or raisins (1/4 cup): Adds crunch or chewy bursts of sweetness, depending on your preference.
Low-fat cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): Essential for the creamy frosting that tops the bars beautifully.
Butter, softened (2 tablespoons): Gives the frosting richness and smooth texture.
Sifted powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to delicious perfection.

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly mist a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray so your bars won’t stick, setting you up for easy removal later. This simple prep is key for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until you have a smooth, combined mixture. Then, add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, whisking carefully to maintain a silky texture. This wet mixture is the moist foundation of your bars.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly blended. This spice mix brings depth and warmth to every bite of your carrot cake bars.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly until just combined. Fold in the finely grated carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed to guarantee that delightful burst of freshness and color. If you’re adding nuts or raisins, now’s the time to mix them in. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly for consistent baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, transfer the dish to a wire rack and let the bars cool to room temperature; this makes frosting easier to apply and prevents melting.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up the frosting by combining the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar, adjusting the amount as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency. This frosting is the luscious finale your carrot cake bars deserve.

Step 7: Frost and Slice

Once the bars have fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. Slice into squares or rectangles, and get ready to indulge in these irresistible treats that balance spice, sweetness, and creaminess perfectly.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

The image shows a white square baking dish with four pieces of carrot cake inside. Each piece has a thick layer of creamy white frosting on top, sprinkled lightly with brown cinnamon or nutmeg powder. The cake layer is brown with small bits of orange carrot visible, showing a moist and textured surface. One piece is missing from the bottom left corner, revealing the soft cake inside below the smooth frosting. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add extra flavor, consider sprinkling some finely chopped toasted walnuts or pecans over the frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few edible flowers can also add a lovely visual touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Carrot cake bars pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, enhancing their cozy and comforting vibe. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a simple fruit salad featuring citrus or berries that brighten the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these carrot cake bars on a tiered dessert stand for a charming display at parties or potlucks. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for a delightful, gift-worthy treat for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the bars moist. They will stay delicious for up to 5 days, making them a fantastic option for prepping ahead or enjoying as leftovers.

Freezing

If you want to keep these carrot cake bars longer, you can freeze them. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For the best experience, enjoy your carrot cake bars chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them a bit warmer, gently microwave a bar for 10 to 15 seconds, but avoid warming too long to prevent melting the frosting excessively.

FAQs

Can I substitute the avocado oil for something else?

Absolutely! You can use any mild-flavored oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even light olive oil. The key is to keep the flavor neutral so it doesn’t overpower the spices and carrot flavors.

How do I grate carrots finely?

The easiest way is to use the smallest holes on a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment. Finely grated carrots blend into the batter better and ensure even moisture throughout the bars.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!

Is it okay to add nuts or raisins?

Definitely! Adding 1/2 cup chopped nuts or 1/4 cup raisins is optional but highly recommended if you like a little extra crunch or chewy sweetness. Adjust according to your preference or dietary needs.

How thick should the cream cheese frosting be?

The frosting should be spreadable but thick enough to hold its shape on the bars. Adjust the powdered sugar amount to get your ideal consistency — more sugar for a stiffer frosting, less for a softer finish.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, making it quicker and easier to share that wonderful combination of spices, sweetness, and creamy frosting with your loved ones. Once you try these bars, you’ll find them perfect for any occasion, whether a casual snack or a celebratory treat. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and savor every warm, spiced bite of this personal favorite!