Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Posted on July 18, 2025

Delicious carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting on a plate.

This Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe blends warm spices and fresh, vibrant carrots. It offers a delightful twist on traditional carrot cake, presenting rich flavors in a convenient bar format. The soft texture of these bars pairs perfectly with a creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Not only are these bars simple to make, but they also stay moist and flavorful, ensuring you can enjoy them for days after baking. The added crunch from walnuts and the sweetness of raisins elevate this dessert, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re throwing a gathering, celebrating a special event, or just looking for a comforting snack, this carrot cake bar recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors as you bite into these delicious treats, and revel in the compliments that are bound to come your way.

Why You’ll Love carrot cake

Quick to Make: These bars come together in less than an hour, making them great for last-minute baking.
Moist and Flavorful: Freshly grated carrots and spices ensure every bite is deliciously moist.
Versatile: Perfect for picnics, parties, or a cozy night in; these bars fit any occasion.
Kid-Friendly: The sweet flavors and soft texture are sure to please both kids and adults.
Easy to Store: Leftover bars can be easily stored and enjoyed over several days.
Customizable: Add nuts or raisins as desired, or even try different spices to make it your own!

Ingredients

1.5 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1.5 cups grated carrots (packed)
0.5 cup walnuts (chopped, optional)
0.25 cup raisins (optional)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well mixed. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
Add the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
Once the carrot cake bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious easy carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting!

Tips and Variations

For those looking to make this dish even better, consider these tips and variations:

Ingredient Swaps: If you need to make the recipe healthier, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients. You can also swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar or use a sugar substitute such as stevia.
Add Spices: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth that’s perfect for fall baking!
Dairy-Free Option: To make the frosting dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and vegan butter. Don’t worry; it will still taste fabulous!
Avoid Overmixing: A common mistake when baking is overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined for the best texture.
Chill Before Frosting: For easier frosting application, chill the cooled cake bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, these Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting can be stored easily. Here are some tips for storing and serving:

Storing Leftovers: Place the unused bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to two months. Just ensure they are well wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: If you enjoy them warm, you can gently reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can cause the frosting to melt.
Serving Ideas: These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your serving by garnishing with extra chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream makes for a delightful dessert experience.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars keep well when stored in the refrigerator. You can prepare them one or two days before needed, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is it necessary to use nuts and raisins?
No, the nuts and raisins are optional! Feel free to leave them out if you prefer plain carrot cake bars. You can also substitute them with other add-ins like coconut flakes or cranberries.
Can I use pre-packaged grated carrots?
While fresh grated carrots provide the best flavor and texture, you can use pre-packaged grated carrots for convenience. Just make sure they are packed tightly for accurate measurement.
What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
If cream cheese frosting isn’t your preference, you can use chocolate ganache, buttercream, or even a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
Can I add pineapple to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding crushed pineapple will give your bars a moist and tropical flair. Just be sure to drain the pineapple well before mixing it into the batter.

These Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any occasion and can be easily modified to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!