Dessert

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

ByHugo Harnd November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Introduction

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offer all the comforting flavors of classic carrot cake in a convenient, easy-to-slice form. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet everyday treat, they combine moist, spiced cake with rich, tangy frosting.

The image shows a close-up of a two-layer square dessert piece on a white plate with parchment paper underneath. The bottom layer is a moist, dense, dark brown cake with a crumbly texture. The top layer is thick and creamy, off-white in color, looking smooth with a few soft waves on the surface. Small crumbs of the brown cake are sprinkled on top of the creamy layer, adding a crunchy texture. In the background, more pieces of the same dessert are slightly out of focus, all sitting on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp salt
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups shredded carrots
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the vegetable oil and eggs together until fluffy. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 4: Fold in the shredded carrots and nuts, if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: While the bars cool, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, then cut into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, you can add ½ cup crushed pineapple or applesauce to the batter.
Swap walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Chill the cream cheese frosting briefly before spreading to help it set nicely.

Storage

Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best flavor. You can also freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a square dessert composed of two main layers on a stack of white plates with paper underneath. The bottom layer is dense and crumbly, rich brown in color with a rough texture and small specks all over. The top layer is creamy and smooth, off-white in color, evenly spread with a slightly glossy surface. Small crumbs of the bottom layer are sprinkled on top, adding a textured contrast to the smoothness. In the background, there are more pieces of the same dessert blurred, giving a sense of depth. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be baked and frosted a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can substitute mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a slightly different texture and tang, but cream cheese provides the classic flavor and consistency.