The gentle spice of moist carrot cake combined with the rich tang of cream cheese frosting creates a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistible. These Carrot Cake Bars are the kind of treat you make once and immediately get asked to make again. Their rustic charm and nostalgic flavors make them perfect for spring gatherings, Easter brunches, or simply as a sweet indulgence on a cozy afternoon.
Best of all, this recipe is super approachable, even if you’re not a confident baker. With a few pantry staples and some grated carrots, you can whip up a tray of dessert bars that look beautiful and taste even better. The crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and keeps the bars extra moist, while the cream cheese frosting delivers a decadent finish that’s just the right amount of creamy and sweet.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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½ cup vegetable oil
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¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
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½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
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Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts if using.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow to cool completely before frosting.
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For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth.
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Spread frosting over cooled bars, then refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 9 bars
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist, Flavorful, and Perfectly Frosted Treats for Any Occasion
Carrot cake lovers, rejoice! These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate sweet indulgence, rich in flavor, moist in texture, and layered with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that ties everything together. This dessert is a modern take on the classic carrot cake, served in an easy-to-slice bar format that’s perfect for sharing at potlucks, holiday tables, or cozy afternoon snacks.
A Dessert That Transcends Seasons
While carrot cake is often associated with springtime and Easter celebrations, the warming spices and comforting texture make it a year-round favorite. The beauty of these carrot cake bars lies in their versatility, they’re easy enough to whip up for casual gatherings but elegant enough for more formal occasions. Whether you’re baking for a family brunch, bringing dessert to a party, or simply indulging in a treat for yourself, these bars are a winning choice.
Carrots give the bars a naturally sweet, earthy flavor and contribute to their incredibly moist crumb. When paired with crushed pineapple, the moisture is intensified, and the flavor is deepened with a tropical twist that enhances the overall sweetness without being cloying. A touch of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds that signature carrot cake aroma and taste we all love.
The Star Ingredients That Make These Bars Shine
Carrots
The heart of the recipe, freshly grated carrots add both moisture and a hint of sweetness. Unlike pre-shredded carrots, fresh ones break down during baking and integrate beautifully into the batter, making the texture of the bars soft and tender without being mushy.
Crushed Pineapple
This ingredient is what sets these carrot cake bars apart from the rest. Pineapple not only infuses the bars with subtle fruity notes, but also adds natural moisture that elevates the texture to near perfection.
Greek Yogurt
A small amount of plain Greek yogurt brings added creaminess to the batter and contributes to the tender crumb. It also balances the sweetness with a subtle tang, echoing the cream cheese frosting that tops the bars.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg
These warm spices are essential in giving the bars that comforting, nostalgic flavor. Cinnamon brings depth and warmth, while a hint of nutmeg adds complexity.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Arguably the best part of any carrot cake, this classic frosting is made with cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. It’s creamy, tangy, and sweet, everything you want to crown a slice of spiced carrot cake.
Nuts (Optional)
Walnuts or pecans add crunch and contrast to the soft texture of the bars. They also bring a nutty, earthy flavor that complements the warm spices. If you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy, feel free to leave them out, they’re totally optional.
Perfect for Make-Ahead and Freezing
One of the best things about these bars is how well they store. You can bake them a day in advance and refrigerate overnight, just slice before serving for the freshest presentation. They also freeze well, either frosted or unfrosted. If freezing frosted bars, lay them in a single layer until solid, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment between layers.
This makes them a great option for meal prep or dessert planning. Whether you’re baking ahead for a busy week or storing leftovers, these bars maintain their moisture and flavor wonderfully.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While these carrot cake bars are absolutely delicious on their own, they pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments:
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Hot coffee or chai tea: The warm spices in the bars match beautifully with a spiced or roasted beverage.
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Vanilla ice cream: For a decadent dessert, serve a slightly warm bar with a scoop of ice cream.
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Fresh fruit: Strawberries or blueberries provide a bright contrast to the creamy frosting.
Serve them on a simple white tray for a clean look or get creative with rustic wooden boards or tiered dessert stands for parties and gatherings.
Ideal for Holidays and Everyday Baking
These bars are especially popular around spring and Easter, but their appeal isn’t limited to one season. During fall and winter, the spices provide warmth and comfort. In summer, the bars’ subtle sweetness and light texture keep them from feeling too heavy.
They also make fantastic additions to:
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Holiday dessert tables
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Bake sales
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Afternoon tea spreads
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Casual weekend baking
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Kid-friendly lunchbox treats (just leave off the frosting if needed)
Kids love the naturally sweet flavor, and parents love the inclusion of real vegetables and fruit in their dessert.
Tips for Best Results
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Use freshly grated carrots instead of store-bought shredded carrots. The latter are often too dry and coarse.
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Drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture that can make the bars too dense.
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Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients, just until combined, to keep the texture soft.
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Let the bars cool completely before frosting. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and ensures a clean, beautiful finish.
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Chill the bars after frosting for a firmer texture and easier slicing.
Customizations to Try
These carrot cake bars are endlessly adaptable. Here are some creative ideas to tweak the recipe:
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Add raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy, fruity bite.
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Stir in shredded coconut for texture and tropical flair.
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Use maple syrup or honey in place of some sugar for natural sweetness.
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Substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier, wholesome touch.
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Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer flavor profile.
You can even turn the bars into cupcakes or muffins, just adjust the baking time and pour the batter into a lined muffin tin.
Conclusion
Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a true crowd-pleaser, easy to make, universally loved, and bursting with rich, comforting flavors. The moist and spiced cake, combined with the silky frosting, creates a balance that’s nothing short of delightful. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Perfect for holidays, weekday desserts, or special events, these bars are an excellent way to bring a classic dessert to the table in a simple and sharable form. Their timeless flavor, beautiful presentation, and forgiving recipe structure make them one of the most rewarding bakes you can try. With just a few pantry ingredients and some love, you’ll have a tray of delicious, irresistible carrot cake bars that everyone will remember.