Description
Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, these easy Carrot Cake Bars are perfect for quick dessert ideas, potlucks, or lunchbox treats. This simple recipe delivers everything you love about classic carrot cake—in a fast, single-layer bar form. Perfect for spring brunch, easy baking projects, or healthy-ish snacks packed with carrots and cozy flavor.
Ingredients
3 large eggs
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup neutral oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups freshly grated carrots
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Stir in the freshly grated carrots until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in walnuts if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Slice into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
Always use freshly grated carrots for moisture and sweetness.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting to avoid a runny mess.
Refrigerate the bars for firmer slicing and storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: carrot cake bars, easy dessert, spring dessert, cream cheese frosting, quick baking