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Moist Carrot Cake Bars with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up, sunlit square of moist carrot cake bars topped with thick cream cheese frosting.
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Make these easy carrot cake bars for a moist, spiced dessert topped with rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe delivers the classic flavor of carrot cake in a simple, shareable bar format, perfect for spring baking or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated into the sugar and oil mixture.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the grated carrots and optional nuts using a spatula.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the carrot cake bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is important before frosting.
  10. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Beat in the vanilla extract.
  12. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  13. Cut into squares and serve. These are excellent make ahead dessert bars.

Notes

  • For the moistest texture, ensure you use fresh, finely grated carrots.
  • You can skip the nuts if you prefer a plain carrot cake bar.
  • If you want a cream cheese swirl, reserve half of the batter, mix the cream cheese frosting ingredients, dollop the frosting over the unbaked batter, and gently swirl with a knife before baking.
  • These tender carrot cake squares freeze well for later enjoyment.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/carrot-cake-bars/