Description

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect combination of moist, spiced carrot cake topped with rich, creamy frosting. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these bars are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and are perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (if needed for consistency)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the grated carrots and, if desired, the chopped nuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the carrot cake bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bars are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (if needed), beating until smooth and fluffy.
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

If you prefer a nut-free version, simply leave out the walnuts or pecans.
You can add raisins or pineapple to the batter for extra flavor and moisture.
These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake Bars, Spring Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Carrot Cake Bars, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Carrot Cake Bars Recipe, Easy Carrot Cake Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting Carrot Cake