What ingredients do I need to make carrot cake bars from scratch?

To make carrot cake bars, you’ll need oil (such as canola or vegetable), granulated and brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. For the dry mix, gather all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Freshly grated carrots add moisture and flavor. Optional mix-ins include chopped nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut. For the frosting, you’ll need cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. These ingredients come together for a moist, spiced dessert bar.

How do I bake carrot cake bars so they stay moist and tender?

Start by combining dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another before mixing them together gently to avoid overworking the batter. Fold in grated carrots and any extras like nuts or raisins. Pour the batter into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars moist. Let them cool completely before spreading cream cheese frosting evenly on top.

Can I make gluten-free or vegan carrot cake bars?

Yes, you can make gluten-free carrot cake bars using a gluten-free flour blend that measures like all-purpose flour. For vegan bars, replace eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon seed + 3 tablespoons water each) and use plant-based butter and cream cheese substitutes in the frosting. Adjust baking time slightly if needed, and check texture to ensure the bars hold together well.

What’s the best way to store carrot cake bars to keep them fresh?

To keep carrot cake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration to stay safe and maintain its texture. If you want to store them longer, wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How can I adjust the cream cheese frosting consistency on carrot cake bars?

To make frosting thicker and firmer, add more powdered sugar gradually. For a softer and creamier frosting that's easier to spread, reduce the powdered sugar or add a small amount of milk or cream. Beat the frosting well to combine ingredients smoothly, and chill it slightly if you want it stiffer before frosting the bars. Adjusting the frosting also allows you to add spices like cinnamon or ginger for extra flavor.

Carrot Cake Bars Recipe With Creamy Frosting And Spice

Name: Carrot Cake Bars
Prep time: PT-490121H24M9S
Cook time: PT-490121H9M9S
Total time: PT-490121H9M9S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 3/4 cup oil (such as vegetable, canola, or any mild-flavored oil); – 1/2 cup granulated sugar; – 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; – 3 eggs; – 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract; – 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (which can be substituted with white whole wheat flour); – 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; – 1 teaspoon baking soda; – 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (reduce amount if using table salt); – 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; – 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; – Pinch of ground cloves; – 8 ounces finely grated fresh carrots; – 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, pepitas, or hazelnuts); – 1/4 cup raisins; – 8-ounce package low-fat cream cheese (softened); – 2 tablespoons butter (softened); – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 3 cups sifted powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)

Description

🥕 These Carrot Cake Bars deliver the rich, spiced flavors of classic carrot cake in an easy, portable bar form.
🍰 The creamy frosting adds a luscious finish, making them perfect for gatherings or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

– 3/4 cup oil (such as vegetable, canola, or any mild-flavored oil)

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

– 3 eggs

– 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

– 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (which can be substituted with white whole wheat flour)

– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (reduce amount if using table salt)

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– Pinch of ground cloves

– 8 ounces finely grated fresh carrots

– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, pepitas, or hazelnuts)

– 1/4 cup raisins

– 8-ounce package low-fat cream cheese (softened)

– 2 tablespoons butter (softened)

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 3 cups sifted powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

1-First: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment for easy removal later. Grate those 8 ounces of fresh carrots and have all your dry ingredients measured out ahead of time. If you’re going for vegan or gluten-free versions, swap in the right alternatives now.

2-Next: whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl: 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. This mix sets the base for that spiced carrot cake flavor we love.

3-Mixing the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together 3 eggs, 3/4 cup oil, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract until it’s all blended. Gently fold the wet mix into the dry one, then stir in the grated carrots and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins. Keep it light to avoid tough bars!

4-Spread the batter into your pan, level it out, and pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Once baked, let it cool fully before adding the frosting made from softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.

5-After frosting, slice and enjoy!

Notes

🍴 Use finely grated carrots for better texture and moisture.
🌰 Adding nuts gives extra crunch and flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
❄️ Refrigerate bars before frosting to prevent melting and ensure smooth application.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35 to 40 minutes
Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar

Keywords: carrot cake bars, creamy frosting, spiced carrot dessert, easy carrot bars