Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars are a deliciously moist and flavorful twist on the classic carrot cake, baked into convenient bar form for easy serving and snacking. These bars combine warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with freshly grated carrots for a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they are the ideal dessert or snack for any occasion, from casual afternoons to holiday gatherings.

The texture of these bars is wonderfully soft and tender, thanks to the melted butter and eggs that keep the batter rich and moist. The blend of spices creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. The cream cheese frosting is smooth, creamy, and lightly sweetened to complement the spiced bars without overpowering them. Together, they make a treat that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Ideal for making ahead and slicing into perfect portions, these carrot cake bars are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a bake sale, a family gathering, or just craving something sweet and spiced, these bars will satisfy every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Tender Texture

Melted butter and the perfect balance of wet and dry ingredients create soft, moist bars every time.

Warm, Inviting Spices

A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice adds depth and complexity to the flavor.

Easy to Make in One Pan

No need for complicated layers—simply mix, bake, and frost in the same pan for less cleanup.

Convenient Bar Format

Perfect for portion control, packed lunches, or grab-and-go snacks.

Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting

A classic frosting that adds richness and a slight tang, balancing the sweet spice of the bars.

Ingredients

For the bars:

• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves
• Ground allspice
• Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• Dark brown sugar, packed
• Large eggs, room temperature
• Vanilla extract
• Finely grated carrots

For the frosting:

• Softened cream cheese
• Softened unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Variations

Add Nuts or Raisins

Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to add texture and flavor.

Pineapple Twist

Fold in crushed pineapple (drained) for a moist, tropical twist.

Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for extra warmth.

Vegan Adaptation

Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes and flax eggs to make this vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free Version

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a safe alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in the grated carrots.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until creamy.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Chill for 30 minutes to set before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and a tender texture.
• Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and rise.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars light and fluffy.
• Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Store frosted bars in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm.

How to Serve

Cut into small squares or rectangles and serve chilled or at room temperature. These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal mid-morning or afternoon treat. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for added presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the frosting fresh.

Freezing

Unfrosted bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Reheating

Serve chilled or at room temperature; avoid microwaving as it may soften the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute the spices?

Yes, you can adjust or omit spices based on your preference.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Freshly grated carrots are best, but pre-shredded can be used if finely chopped.

How do I keep the frosting from melting?

Make sure bars are fully cooled before frosting and keep them refrigerated.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting baking time accordingly.

Is it okay to use brown sugar only?

Yes, brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor, making it preferable.

Can I add nuts to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts add great texture and flavor.

How long will the bars stay fresh?

Stored properly, they stay fresh for up to 5 days refrigerated.

Can I use a mixer?

Yes, a hand or stand mixer makes mixing easier but is not necessary.

Can I omit the frosting?

You can, but the cream cheese frosting complements the spices and moisture of the bars perfectly.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful, moist, and spiced treat that transforms traditional carrot cake into a convenient bar form. With warm spices, fresh carrots, and creamy frosting, they satisfy both comfort food cravings and sweet tooth desires. Simple to make and perfect for sharing, these bars will quickly become a favorite dessert for any occasion.

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