Name: Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 2 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp. ground ginger; 1/4 tsp. ground cloves; 1/4 tsp. ground allspice; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp. vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cup loosely packed finely grated carrots (~1-2 large carrots grated on the small holes of a box grater); 4 oz. softened cream cheese; 4 Tbsp. softened unsalted butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract; pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love the cozy flavors of fall, you’re going to adore this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic carrot cake, baked into soft, chewy bars that are perfectly spiced and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. These bars are easy to make, bursting with flavor and texture, and they bring all the comfort and sweetness of carrot cake in a portable, shareable form. Whether for a special occasion or a simple everyday treat, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy, smooth off-white batter is placed on a white marbled surface. Two metal beaters from a white electric mixer are partially submerged in the batter, showing swirls and soft peaks. To the left, a white-lined pan holds a dark, evenly baked cake layer, with a rich brown color and slightly rough texture. A small white bowl filled with crushed walnuts sits at the top right corner of the image, showing a mix of light and dark brown nut pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the warm spices give that unmistakable carrot cake depth, the butter and brown sugar create moistness and richness, and of course, the grated carrots add both texture and vibrant color. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors that’s easier to achieve than you might expect.

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour: Provides structure to the bars without making them dense.
2 tsp. ground cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that defines carrot cake flavor.
1/2 tsp. salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg: Contributes a subtle, nutty spice note.
1/4 tsp. ground ginger: Gives a gentle zip that complements the cinnamon.
1/4 tsp. ground cloves: Infuses a deep, aromatic hint.
1/4 tsp. ground allspice: Links all the spices together in harmony.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Brings moistness and richness to the bars.
1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel notes and chewiness.
2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients and add lightness.
2 tsp. vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth and sweetness.
1 1/4 cup loosely packed finely grated carrots: The star ingredient for texture, moisture, and that fresh carrot taste.
4 oz. softened cream cheese: For the creamy, tangy frosting that’s the perfect topping.
4 Tbsp. softened unsalted butter: Balances the cream cheese with richness in the frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting.
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the frosting.
Pinch of salt: Cuts the sweetness and enhances the frosting’s flavor.

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start off right by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang to make lifting the finished bars out a breeze. This prep step is simple but super helpful, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice until combined. Getting all those warm spices evenly distributed here ensures every bite of your carrot cake bars is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Combine Butter and Brown Sugar

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter and dark brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and no clumps remain. This step is crucial for that soft, chewy texture everyone loves in carrot cake bars.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and richness that helps bind everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Carrots

Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Then gently fold in the finely grated carrots. The batter will be thick – that’s exactly how you want it!

Step 6: Spread Batter and Bake

Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan. Don’t worry if it seems tricky to smooth out; the parchment liner will help you lift the bars out later. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, watching carefully to avoid overbaking. The bars should be just set and slightly springy.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Then whip together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating until creamy and irresistibly fluffy. If it feels too thick, a splash of milk can help. Spread generously over the cooled bars.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Creation

Slice your carrot cake bars into squares, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped walnuts if you like, and dig in. There’s nothing quite like that first bite of soft, spiced carrot cake balanced by creamy, tangy frosting!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A single square piece of carrot cake sits centered on a white plate with a speckled green texture. The bottom layer is a moist, dense, brown cake with visible bits of carrot and nuts. On top is a thick, creamy white frosting layer, swirled with soft peaks and sprinkled lightly with brown cinnamon or spice powder. Several walnut halves are scattered evenly on the frosting. A silver fork lies next to the cake on the plate. The background shows part of the remaining cake with the same layered texture on a white marbled surface, and white and yellow flowers are arranged around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness that contrasts perfectly with the soft bars and smooth frosting. You can also dust a little cinnamon or grated orange zest on top to brighten the flavors and presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair these carrot cake bars with a cup of hot chai tea or a creamy latte for a complete cozy experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side makes an elegant dessert upgrade if you’re serving guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try layering small carrot cake bars in clear glass jars with frosting between layers for an impressive parfait style. Or cut the bars into bite-sized squares, skewer them with decorative picks, and serve as sweet little party bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is best to keep the frosting fresh and safe. Before serving, let them come to room temperature for that perfect soft texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted carrot cake bars for up to three months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add freshly made cream cheese frosting for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

For a warm and cozy treat, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating with frosting on to prevent melting; instead, frost after warming for a perfect finish.

FAQs

Can I add nuts or raisins to the carrot cake bars?

Absolutely! Adding about half a cup of chopped nuts or raisins can add delightful texture and flavor. Mix them in with the grated carrots before baking for balanced distribution.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

No worries if you’re missing one or two spices. Cinnamon is the most important, so keep that. Nutmeg and ginger really boost warmth but can be omitted or substituted with pumpkin pie spice as a shortcut.

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best here for the ideal texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, just keep in mind it may make the bars a bit denser.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for the frosting. The texture and flavor may differ slightly, but you will still get a delicious carrot cake bar.

How thick should the frosting be?

The frosting should be thick enough to spread without melting or sliding off but still creamy and smooth. If it feels too stiff, add a splash of milk; if too runny, add a little more powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. It’s an inviting, comforting dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make and endlessly satisfying. Whether for afternoon tea, dessert, or a sweet snack, these bars are your new go-to treat. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with it just like I have!