Name: Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 cups finely grated carrots; ½ cup chopped walnuts; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Hey y'all! If you love the warm, spiced flavors of classic carrot cake but want something easy to serve and perfect for sharing, these Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are just what you need. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a dreamy, tangy frosting, they're ideal for birthday parties, family gatherings, potlucks, or simply snacking at home. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

One-bowl recipe: Minimal cleanup and simple prep make these bars a breeze to whip up.
Super moist and flavorful: Packed with fresh carrots, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting.
Perfect for any occasion: Cut into bars for easy serving at parties, lunches, or snack time.
Customizable: Easily adapt with nuts, pineapple, or raisins based on your taste.
Stays fresh: These bars stay soft and delicious for days, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat!

Ingredients for Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

How to Make Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the Carrot Cake Bar Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In another bowl, mix the oil, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla to the wet mixture, whisk until fully blended.
Stir in the grated carrots, then fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. If using, add nuts now.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 24-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low until incorporated, then on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars.
Slice into 16 squares. Enjoy!

Notes for Perfect Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

For best texture, grate carrots by hand using a box grater—pre-shredded carrots can be too dry (learn how here).
Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for smoother frosting.
If you want a thinner layer of frosting, halve the frosting recipe for a lighter touch.

Variations on Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pineapple Twist: Add ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter for extra moisture and tang.
Raisin Studded: Fold in ½ cup golden or regular raisins for bursts of sweetness.
Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free (see these tips).

Required Equipment for Decadent Carrot Cake Bars

9x13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Whisk and spatula
Box grater
Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer for frosting)
Measuring cups and spoons
Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)

Storage Instructions for Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Bars can be wrapped and frozen (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with hot coffee, spiced chai, or a frothy latte for a cozy treat.
Pair with fresh berries or sliced oranges to complement the spices and creamy frosting.
Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or toasted nuts for extra flair.

Pro Tips for the Best Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Don’t overmix the batter—mix until just combined to keep the bars light and tender.
Use fresh, finely grated carrots for maximum moisture and flavor (learn more about carrots’ nutrition).
Chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes after frosting for clean, neat slices.

FAQ: Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Can I make these carrot cake bars in advance?: Absolutely! These bars keep well in the fridge for several days and taste even better the next day.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?: For best results, use freshly grated carrots, as pre-shredded ones tend to be too dry and coarse.
Can I make these bars nut-free?: Yes, simply omit the nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes
Yield: 16 bars

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting