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carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting 2026 05 02 191504 683x1024 1

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delicious and easy Carrot Cake Bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Can substitute with other nuts.
  • 0.5 cup raisins (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar Adjust for sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots and, if using, the chopped nuts and raisins.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and mix again.
  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy and fluffy.
Serving
  1. Cut the cooled cake into squares or bars. Place them on a serving plate and top each piece with a generous spread of cream cheese frosting.
  2. You can also sprinkle extra walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars without frosting for up to 3 months.