Description
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – A Rich & Moist Dessert Delight
Ingredients
Scale
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2 large carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Carrot Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a large bowl, beat together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in grated carrots and pineapple.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in nuts and coconut if using.
3. Bake
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 28–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until creamy and well combined.
5. Frost & Serve
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars.
- Chill for 30 minutes for cleaner cuts.
- Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Add raisins or chopped dates for extra texture.
- Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting for a warm finish.
- Want a twist? Add orange zest to the frosting for a citrus kick!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting