Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

If you’re craving all the comforting aroma and flavor of classic carrot cake but want something a little more fuss-free, these Carrot Cake Bars are about to become your new go-to treat. Wonderfully chewy, perfectly spiced, and topped with clouds of tangy cream cheese frosting, they transform the nostalgic bakery favorite into easy, shareable bars you’ll want to make on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Carrot Cake Bars comes from a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each one—from the warm mix of spices to the finely shredded carrots—brings its own delicious note and texture to every bite.

• Unsalted Butter (melted): Creates a moist, rich base for the bars and helps bind everything together.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness and extra chew to the crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar and enhances the bars’ tenderness.
• Egg + Egg Yolk: The extra yolk makes the bars even richer and softer, so don’t skip it!
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds an irresistible bakery aroma.
• All Purpose Flour: The classic building block for structure without making the bars too dense.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: This cozy trifecta gives the bars their classic carrot cake warmth and a hint of subtle spice.
• Salt: Wakes up all the sweet and spice flavors with just a small pinch.
• Baking Powder: Lends a gentle lift for a soft, slightly cakey texture without being fluffy.
• Shredded Carrots (loosely measured): Bring moisture, natural sweetness, and that signature orange fleck throughout the bars. Use freshly grated for the best results.
• Finely Chopped Toasted Pecans: Add a delicious toasty crunch and nutty undertone to each bite.
• Cream Cheese (softened): The essential base for dreamy, tangy frosting.
• Unsalted Butter (softened, for frosting): Ensures your cream cheese frosting is ultra-smooth and luscious.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides the perfect creamy-sweet balance for the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract (for frosting): Brings everything together with an aromatic finish.
• Additional Pecans (optional): For sprinkling on top or adding a fancy touch before serving.

Variations

The beauty of Carrot Cake Bars is how endlessly customizable they are. Whether you want to make them nut-free, a little healthier, or load them up with extra treats, these simple tweaks will let you make them your own every time.

• Nut-Free: Skip the pecans entirely or substitute toasted sunflower seeds for the same irresistible crunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour; the bars will still be beautifully moist and flavorful.
• Add Coconut or Raisins: Stir in ½ cup shredded coconut or golden raisins for extra texture and a hint of old-school carrot cake flair.
• Lighter Frosting: For a tangy topping with less sweetness, use whipped Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese frosting.

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F with a rack in the center for even baking. Line a 9×9-inch metal pan with parchment or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease it. This ensures the Carrot Cake Bars lift out cleanly every time!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted, cooled butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for a full minute—this dissolves the sugar and creates that signature chewy texture. Whisk in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until glossy and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. This step helps ensure all the spices are evenly distributed—with every bite bursting with cozy flavor.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Whisk just until combined, being careful not to overmix (a few streaks are okay). Switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and gently fold in the shredded carrots and toasted pecans.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 22–26 minutes—the bars should be set, the top a light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting (it’s hard, but so worth the wait!).

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until thick, creamy, and just spreadable. If the frosting seems too soft, pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up slightly.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once the bars are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting evenly over the top. For extra style, cut the bars first and then pipe frosting in a zigzag pattern over each. Sprinkle with a scatter of toasted pecans if you like—for a bakery-worthy finish!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars

Garnishes

A handful of finely chopped toasted pecans sprinkled across the frosting adds just the right touch of crunch and visual flair. If you want to go the extra mile, a tiny pinch of cinnamon dusted on top or some delicate carrot curls made with a vegetable peeler turn your bars into a real showstopper for any gathering.

Side Dishes

Carrot Cake Bars are wonderful with a mug of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee as an afternoon treat. For dessert platters, serve them alongside fresh berries, a bowl of tangy yogurt, or cut fruit to balance the sweetness and add a little brightness to each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into small triangles or diamonds for pretty, bite-sized nibbles at parties. Layer them parfait-style in mini cups with whipped cream cheese, or tuck them into lunchboxes as a sweet surprise. For holidays, use a piping bag to decorate each square with mini carrots or festive shapes on top of the frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, Carrot Cake Bars should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. Bring them to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens and the flavors shine.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully, either plain or frosted! Place cooled (and, if you like, individually wrapped) bars in an airtight container separated with parchment. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator—perfect for make-ahead events or sneaky freezer-stash treats.

Reheating

If eating chilled, just let the bars take the chill off at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. If you prefer them slightly warm (and don’t mind a little melty frosting), a very short zap in the microwave (10–15 seconds) works wonders for cold, leftover bars.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly irresistible about Carrot Cake Bars—every bite delivers that cozy, classic flavor in an easy-to-love package. Whether you bake them for a party, a picnic, or just because, I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine. Give them a try, and watch them disappear—one delicious square at a time!

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