Looking for a delicious way to enjoy carrot desserts? These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are an easy and indulgent twist on the classic dessert recipes you love. With a perfect balance of warm spices, moist shredded carrots, and rich cream cheese frosting, these bars are ideal for parties, potlucks, or an everyday treat!
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Desserts Recipe
- Moist & Flavorful: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and shredded carrots creates an irresistible taste.
- Easy-to-Make: No need for complicated layers—these bars are simple to prepare and bake.
- Perfect for Sharing: A convenient, cut-and-serve dessert that’s great for any gathering.
- Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or coconut for a personal touch.
Ingredients For Carrot Desserts Recipe
For the Carrot Desserts Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts, raisins, or shredded coconut
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars
1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in shredded carrots and any optional mix-ins.
2: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
3: Prepare the Frosting
Using a mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
4: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice into squares and serve!
Variations & Customizations
- Nutty Twist: Add pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Fruity Addition: Stir in raisins or pineapple for extra moisture.
- Extra Spice: Add ground ginger or allspice for deeper flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF-friendly version.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Serving: Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded carrots? Freshly shredded carrots are best for moisture and texture, but pre-shredded will work in a pinch.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! The flavors develop beautifully overnight, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
3. Can I skip the frosting? Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version, dust with powdered sugar instead.
4. What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly? Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between slices for even, smooth cuts.
5. Can I make a dairy-free version? Yes! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes for the frosting.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- Strawberry Blueberry Dessert Cup
- The Best Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe
- Jello Cookies – Colorful Fun Dessert
- Strawberry Fudge Recipe
Final Thoughts
If you love carrot desserts, these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a must-try! Easy to make, packed with warm spices, and topped with a creamy, tangy frosting—this is one of those dessert recipes that will become a staple in your kitchen. Try them today and enjoy a sweet, spiced treat perfect for any occasion!
Carrot Desserts with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts raisins, or shredded coconut
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in shredded carrots and any optional mix-ins.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using a mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice into squares and serve!
Notes
- For a healthier twist, replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Add a touch of orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist.
- These bars freeze well! Freeze unfrosted bars and add the frosting after thawing.
