These carrot cake bars are soft, spiced, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them the perfect treat for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave a classic dessert in a more convenient bar form. Every bite is packed with flavor, offering a cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, balanced by the creamy sweetness of the frosting. Whether you're serving them for a special occasion or just because, these carrot cake bars are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot cake bars are a delightful twist on the traditional carrot cake, offering all the same great flavors but in a more portable, easier-to-serve form. The spiced cake is moist and tender, while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy finish that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. Plus, this recipe is quick to make and yields a batch large enough to share with friends and family. Whether it's for a festive gathering or an afternoon treat, these bars are bound to be a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Bars:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup shredded carrots

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, and nutmeg.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the shredded carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is creamy.
Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Slice into bars and serve.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12–16 servings

Variations

Add-ins: You can mix in chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to your taste or add other spices like cardamom for a unique twist.
Frosting Options: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a buttercream frosting or add a hint of orange zest for an extra burst of citrus.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover carrot cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Reheating: You can enjoy these bars at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to make the frosting a little more melty and delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I make these carrot cake bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead of time! Prepare the bars, frost them, and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for a few days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if you have dietary restrictions. The texture may differ slightly but should still work well.

3. Can I make these bars without the frosting?

Yes, the carrot cake bars are delicious on their own without the frosting. If you prefer a lighter dessert, skip the frosting for a more traditional spiced bar.

4. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To cut down on the sweetness of the frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

5. Can I freeze these carrot cake bars?

Yes, you can freeze the carrot cake bars before or after frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

6. Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting?

If you're short on time, store-bought cream cheese frosting can be used as a substitute for homemade frosting.

7. Are these carrot cake bars suitable for a vegan diet?

To make these bars vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg or an egg substitute, and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese. The texture may vary slightly but should still be delicious.

8. What can I serve these carrot cake bars with?

These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great dessert at family gatherings, potlucks, or parties.

9. How do I know when the carrot cake bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bars are done baking.

10. Can I make these in a different-sized pan?

Yes, you can use a different pan size, but the baking time may need to be adjusted. If using a smaller pan, the bars may take longer to bake, and if using a larger pan, they may bake faster.

Conclusion

These carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the warmth of spices with the rich, creamy flavor of frosting. Whether you're hosting a celebration or just craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to satisfy. With the ability to customize the recipe to your taste and dietary needs, you'll be able to enjoy this classic dessert in many different ways.