Go Back
Freshly baked carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting, cut into squares and arranged on a wooden board.

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting deliver all the goodness of traditional carrot cake—moist texture, hints of cinnamon, and rich, tangy frosting—without the hassle of layering or slicing a full cake.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Carrot Cake Bars

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Foundation for the bars
  • 1.5 tsp Ground cinnamon Brings out the classic carrot cake taste
  • 0.5 tsp Nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp Salt Enhances flavors
  • 0.75 cups Brown sugar Adds moisture
  • 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cups Vegetable oil Keeps bars moist
  • 2 large Eggs Helps bind ingredients
  • 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract Enhances flavor
  • 1.5 cups Shredded carrots Main ingredient
  • 0.5 cups Crushed pineapple (drained, optional) Adds moisture and slight fruity twist
  • 0.5 cups Chopped nuts (optional) Walnuts or pecans add crunch

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz Cream cheese (softened) Full-fat for best texture
  • 0.5 cups Unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar (sifted) For sweetness
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract Enhances flavor
  • A pinch of salt Balances sweetness

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • In another bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  • Fold in shredded carrots, crushed pineapple (if using), and chopped nuts.

Baking

  • Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Making the Frosting

  • Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Assembling

  • Once bars are cool, spread frosting evenly on top.
  • Dust with cinnamon or sprinkle nuts on top if desired.
  • Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute applesauce for oil and use whole wheat flour.
Keyword Carrot Cake Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Bars, Easy Baking