Carrot Cake Bars

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and spiced goodness with our Carrot Cake Bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Discover a delectable treat that’s moist, flavorful, and simply irresistible. Try our recipe today and satisfy your dessert cravings!

Imagine the delightful flavors of your favorite carrot cake packed into a soft, moist bar form. Yes, you heard that right! These delicious carrot cake bars have all the classic carrot cake flavors you crave, from the warm spices to the tangy cream cheese frosting.

They’re perfect for any time of year but especially stand out during spring celebrations. Let’s dive into this great take on a classic!

The next time you have a hankering for carrot cake, why not try it in bar form? This great recipe captures all the love of a traditional carrot cake but in an easy-to-serve style.

Whether you’re serving them up at Easter, or Thanksgiving, bringing them to a potluck, or simply craving that delightful carrot cake flavor, these bars won’t disappoint. Give them a go, and you might just find your new favorite dessert!

Common Questions About Carrot Cake Bars

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour? 

While the original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can’t substitute with almond flour but you can use a gluten-free alternative. However, just keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different.

I haven’t found an almond flour or other alternative that will give me the same consistency.

I’m a vegan. Can I make vegan carrot cake bars? 

Absolutely! Use flax eggs, coconut oil in place of butter, and vegan cream cheese for the frosting. Isnt’ it great that we have options like these nowadays? I love it!

Can I turn these into carrot cake cookies instead? 

Sure! Simply adjust the baking time and check for a golden brown color on your cookies. It may take some experimenting, but I know you can figure it out!

Try our Carrot Cake Cookie Recipe instead.

Storage

I’m a carrot cake lover so these bars really hit the spot. Whether you’re eating them now or making them ahead, these bars will be a hit with any crowd!

Refrigerator

Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezer

Wrap the unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Tips

Got any great tips of your own for making these just right? Let me know in the comments! I love hearing other people’s ideas for things like this. 

• Always make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
• Sift your powdered sugar to achieve a smooth, lump-free cream cheese frosting.
• Using a jelly roll pan? Keep a close eye on your bars to avoid over-baking.
• For an extra touch, use candy carrots or carrot hearts as decoration.

Ingredients

You can tell these are going to be great just by looking at this ingredients list. I put in optional nuts because I really love the crunch! I get that not everyone is a fan, though.

• All-purpose flour (or almond flour for a twist)
• Baking powder and baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable or canola oil
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Large eggs (room temperature, of course!)
• Vanilla extract
• Freshly grated carrots
• Pecans or walnuts (if you’re feeling nutty)
• Cream cheese and unsalted butter for the frosting
• Confectioner’s sugar
• Optional: Orange and green gel food coloring for decoration

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars

These easy carrot cake bars will come together in a snap. Just follow these steps one by one and you’ll have delicious dessert bars in no time! 

Bars

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease a 15x10x1 baking pan. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the four, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. 
5. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
6. Stir in the carrots and nuts, if using, until well combined.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Frosting

1. Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. 
2. Add the vanilla and beat until well combined.
3. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar until the desired consistency is achieved.
4. Frost the cooled bar cookies.
5. Cut and serve immediately or store in an airtight container in a single layer.

Decoration, optional

1. To make the carrots, add a small amount of frosting to 2 bowls. 
2. Color one with orange food coloring and the other one with green.
3. Fit a decorator icing bag with a small round tip for the carrot and a leaf tip for the leaves.
4. Pipe on the carrot with leaves before serving.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Carrot Cake Bars

Don’t skip the wire rack for cooling! It really makes a difference. You want these bars to cool so you can get to the frosting! 

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or electric mixer (with a paddle attachment if using a stand mixer)
• Box grater or food processor for grated carrots
• 15x10x1 baking pan
• Wire rack for cooling
• Optional: Piping bags and tips for decoration

What to Serve With Carrot Cake Bars

Pair these scrumptious bars with a cup of coffee or milk. They also go well as a dessert after a hearty meal, like pot roast or stew. That, or simply enjoy them solo as a delightful snack.

Why You Should Make Carrot Cake Bars

Even if you’re not a fan of carrot cake, you should give these a try. The consistency is different and that can mean a lot with the overall flavor. I know you’ll love them!

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is easy peasy, perfect for both novice bakers and pros!
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or just a treat for yourself.
• Portable: Unlike a layered carrot cake, these bars are easy to transport for potlucks or picnics.
• Versatile: You can add in or omit ingredients as per your liking, making it a very adaptable recipe.

Variations and Add-Ins for Carrot Cake Bars

Oh, I’m a huge fan of the coconut. I’m sure you’ve got some great ideas of your own! I always say, one of the best parts of baking is the experimentation. 

• Coconut Lover: Add some shredded coconut to the batter for an extra tropical twist.
• Fruity Fun: Throw in some raisins or dried pineapple bits.
• Nutty Twist: Swap pecans for almonds or macadamias.
• Chocolate Delight: How about some chocolate chips? Because why not?

If you love this easy desset bar recipe, you’re going to love these other bar recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Carrot Recipes

Banana Carrot Muffins

One Hour Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Carrot Cake Cookies

Carrot Bread

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