How to Make Carrot Cake Bars
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
This ensures your spices and leaveners are evenly distributed.
3. Build the Wet Mixture
In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Stir in the grated carrots.
4. Combine and Fold
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently until the batter is fully combined.
If using nuts or raisins, fold them in now.
5. Bake the Bars
Pour batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting—warm bars will melt the frosting.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar gradually until it reaches your desired sweetness and thickness.
Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars.
7. Slice and Serve
Cut the bars into squares, rectangles, or even mini bites.
For cleaner slices, refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before cutting.
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Bars
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Grate carrots finely for even moisture and soft texture.
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Don’t overbake—these bars should remain moist and tender.
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Add a dusting of cinnamon or chopped nuts on top for decoration.
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Refrigerate leftovers for a firmer texture and longer freshness.
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Double the recipe if serving a crowd—these disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect blend of comforting flavors and easy preparation. They bake quickly, slice beautifully, and taste like a bakery treat without the fuss. Whether you enjoy them chilled or at room temperature, these bars deliver warm spice, sweetness, and creamy tang in every bite.
If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s simple yet unforgettable, this is the recipe to keep in your rotation.
