Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

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Carrot cake bars recipe is the perfect way to enjoy all the warm, spiced flavors of a traditional carrot cake in an easy, handheld form. These moist dessert bars are loaded with shredded carrots, crunchy walnuts, and sweet raisins, creating a rich texture in every bite. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they strike the perfect balance between sweetness and spice.

If you love carrot cake but prefer a simpler alternative to a layered cake, this carrot cake bars recipe is the ideal choice. It requires just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Whether for a family gathering, potluck, or everyday snack, these bars are an irresistible treat. Follow this easy guide to bake the best homemade carrot cake bars from scratch!

Carrot Cake Bars Recipe: Why You’ll Love This Delicious Treat

Easy to Make – No layering, no complicated techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Super Moist – Packed with grated carrots and just the right balance of wet and dry ingredients.
Deliciously Spiced – Warm flavors from nutmeg and vanilla extract make these irresistible.
Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting – The ultimate finishing touch for any carrot cake recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake Bars

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups freshly grated carrots
½ cup walnuts, chopped
½ cup raisins

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions for Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

For the best texture, grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor. Avoid pre-shredded carrots, as they tend to be too dry.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder & baking soda
Nutmeg and salt

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together:

Granulated sugar
Vegetable oil
Eggs
Vanilla extract

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Then, fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins for texture and flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Bars

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy. Then, mix in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 7: Frost the Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Once the cake bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.

Carrot Cake Bar Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:

1. Carrot Cake Bars with a Cream Cheese Swirl

Instead of fully frosting the bars, dollop the cream cheese mixture on top before baking. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled effect.

2. Nut-Free Carrot Cake Bars

Skip the walnuts for a nut-free version that’s just as delicious.

3. Make It a Layered Carrot Cake

Double the recipe and bake in two pans for a layered carrot cake instead of bars.

Storage & Freezing Tips

How to Store Carrot Cake Bars

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Let the bars come to room temperature before serving.

Can You Freeze Carrot Cake Bars?

Yes! Wrap unfrosted bars in parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding frosting.

Carrot Cake FAQs – Oil vs. Butter, Substitutes & Nutrition

Is it better to use oil or butter in carrot cake?

Oil is typically the better choice for carrot cake because it creates a moist and tender texture. Since oil stays liquid at room temperature, it helps keep the cake soft even after cooling. Butter, while adding a richer flavor, can make the cake slightly denser. For the best results, some bakers use a mix of both to balance flavor and texture.

What is a substitute for pineapple in carrot cake?

If you need a substitute for pineapple in carrot cake, try mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, or grated zucchini. These options add moisture and natural sweetness without drastically changing the cake’s flavor. Another good alternative is yogurt, which keeps the cake soft while reducing the sugar content.

What is a carrot cake bomb?

A carrot cake bomb is a small, round dessert made by rolling crumbled carrot cake and cream cheese frosting into bite-sized balls, then dipping them in chocolate or white chocolate. These treats are similar to cake pops and offer a fun, portable way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake.

Is carrot cake healthy or unhealthy?

Carrot cake contains healthy ingredients like carrots and nuts, but it is generally considered an indulgent dessert because of its high sugar, oil, and cream cheese frosting content. To make a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar, use whole wheat flour, and substitute part of the oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt.

What is the unhealthiest cake in the world?

Some of the unhealthiest cakes include deep-fried cakes, extra-rich cheesecakes, and multi-layer cakes with excessive frosting. Cakes like chocolate lava cake, pound cake, and desserts loaded with butter, cream, and refined sugar tend to be the highest in calories and fat.

Why is carrot cake so high in calories?

Carrot cake is high in calories mainly because of its oil, sugar, and cream cheese frosting. While carrots themselves are low in calories, the cake base often includes nuts, raisins, and a dense batter, all of which add to the overall calorie count. The rich cream cheese frosting significantly increases the fat and sugar content.

Key Takeaways: How to Make the Best Carrot Cake Bars

✔ Use freshly grated carrots for a moist texture.
✔ Preheat oven to 350°F before baking.
✔ Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine.
✔ Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins for extra flavor.
✔ Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick.
✔ Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
✔ Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Now you’re ready to make these delicious homemade carrot cake squares! Try this recipe and share with friends and family.

Conclusion: The Perfect Carrot Cake Bars for Every Occasion

They are a delightful twist on classic carrot cake, offering all the warm, spiced flavors in an easy-to-make format. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are packed with shredded carrots, crunchy walnuts, and a rich cream cheese frosting—a combination that’s hard to resist.

By following this recipe, you’ll achieve a perfectly moist, flavorful carrot cake bar that is both satisfying and simple to prepare. If you’re looking for variations, try adding raisins, swapping walnuts for pecans, or incorporating a swirl of cream cheese into the batter.

For more delicious baking ideas and dessert inspirations, check out these related recipes:

Looking for a different carrot-based dish? Try this Air Fryer Carrots Recipe for a quick and healthy snack.
Want to explore more unique dessert recipes? Check out Amish Applesauce Cake for another spiced, moist cake option.
If you’re a fan of chewy, sweet treats, don’t miss these Cowboy Cookies.

For more baking tips and recipes, visit Elyse Recipes Blog.

Enjoy baking and indulging in your homemade carrot cake treats! Let us know how your batch turned out. Happy baking!

Author: Elyse
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

These carrot cake bars are the perfect way to enjoy all the warm, spiced flavors of a traditional carrot cake in an easy, handheld form. Moist and flavorful, they’re packed with freshly grated carrots, crunchy walnuts, and sweet raisins. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether for a family gathering, potluck, or afternoon snack, this easy-to-make recipe is a must-try!