If you’re craving a classic treat with all the flavor of carrot cake but in an easy, portable form, these Carrot Cake Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine moist, tender bars bursting with warm spice, flecked with juicy pineapple, sweet carrots, and crunchy nuts, all crowned with a cloud of tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, weekend brunch, or a little afternoon pick-me-up, these Carrot Cake Bars deliver joy in every bite and couldn’t be simpler to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how every ingredient has a role to play in building flavors, textures, and that iconic carrot cake color. These are simple staples, but together, they create pure magic.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, keeping your bars sturdy but never dense.
- Baking powder: Brings a gentle lift, resulting in perfectly fluffy bars rather than heavy brick-like squares.
- Baking soda: Helps the bars rise and balances the slight acidity from the pineapple.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that irresistible classic “carrot cake spice.”
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch rounds out the spice blend with extra depth.
- Salt: Essential for balancing all the sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while lending richness and moisture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the Carrot Cake Bars marvelously moist from first bite to last crumb.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a bit of structure.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flair that’s so cozy.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the underlying flavors and brings aroma to the party.
- Finely grated carrots: The star! They keep everything moist and provide that signature carrot cake texture and color.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds juiciness and a gentle fruity tang that makes every bite more interesting.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a little crunch and nutty richness in every mouthful.
- Cream cheese (optional, for frosting): For that dreamy, tangy finishing touch everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter (optional, for frosting): Gives the frosting its rich, luscious, creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for frosting): Ensures the topping is fluffy, smooth, and perfectly sweet.
- Vanilla extract (frosting): Rounds out the frosting’s sweet flavor profile.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start your Carrot Cake Bars journey by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). For the easiest removal and less cleanup, either grease your 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This small step ensures your beautiful bars slide out effortlessly later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps evenly distribute those all-important leaveners and spices, so every bite tastes just right.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and a little bit glossy. This blend lays down the moisture and sweetness that makes these bars so irresistibly tender.
Step 4: Add Carrots and Pineapple
Gently stir in the grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple. They’ll make your batter colorful and give each bar a naturally juicy, vibrant bite—truly what sets Carrot Cake Bars apart!
Step 5: Combine For the Final Batter
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently, mixing just until you no longer see streaks of flour. If you’re feeling nutty, toss in the walnuts or pecans here for a delicious crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top as you go. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Let the bars cool completely in the pan for perfect slicing later.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
If you’re making the optional cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then whip until fluffy. Once your bars are completely cool, spread that frosting in a thick, even layer, slice into squares, and get ready to indulge.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, top your Carrot Cake Bars with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even some delicate carrot shreds. These little touches don’t just make your bars look fancy—they add visual appeal and a burst of aroma right before the first bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your bars with a hot cup of tea, fresh coffee, or a cool glass of milk. For a spring brunch, I love serving them alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad, which cuts through the richness and makes everything feel light and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Carrot Cake Bars in neat squares on a vintage cake stand, or stack them up in parchment-lined bakery boxes for gifting. For parties, cut them into bite-size pieces and skewer with cocktail picks for an adorable, grab-and-go treat that guests will swoon over.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Carrot Cake Bars (a rare but happy event!), pop them in an airtight container. Frosted bars should be refrigerated, where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to four days. The chilling time also helps the flavors meld and become even more delicious!
Freezing
Carrot Cake Bars freeze beautifully, whether they’re frosted or just plain. I recommend wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap, then storing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they’ll last up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge for a treat whenever you crave it.
Reheating
You don’t actually need to reheat these bars, but if you want to enjoy them slightly warm (especially if not frosted), pop a bar into the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just enough to soften and bring those cozy spices to life without melting the frosting.
FAQs
Can I make Carrot Cake Bars without nuts?
Absolutely! Just leave out the nuts if you have allergies or prefer a smoother bite. The bars will still be wonderfully moist and flavorful without them.
What’s the best way to grate carrots for these bars?
Finely grate your carrots using the small holes of a box grater or a food processor attachment. Finer shreds blend right into the batter, keeping the texture tender instead of chunky.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you certainly can—just make sure to chop the fresh pineapple very finely and squeeze out any excess juice. This helps prevent the bars from becoming too wet.
Is there a dairy-free frosting option?
If you’re avoiding dairy, skip the cream cheese frosting or try a store-bought or homemade vegan cream cheese alternative. These bars are delicious even on their own!
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time will be similar, but start checking for doneness at around 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you make them for a special celebration or a cozy snack at home, these Carrot Cake Bars are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. Share a batch with friends or keep them all to yourself—you truly can’t go wrong. Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy a bite of carrot cake magic, bar after bar!
Print
Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a sweet treat any time of year!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare pan.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until fluffy. Spread over bars, cut, and serve.
In a medium bowl, mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla. Stir in carrots and pineapple. Fold in dry ingredients and nuts. Pour batter into pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool and frost.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, skip the frosting or use a vegan alternative.
- Store frosted bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
