Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Moist, spiced, and effortlessly crowd-pleasing, Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a celebration of everything we love about classic carrot cake—without the hassle of stacking layers. These bars are thick, tender, and topped with a silky-smooth layer of tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.

Ideal for gatherings or a sweet family treat, these bars bring a bakery-style dessert to your table with minimal prep. Whether you’re packing them for a picnic, serving them at Easter brunch, or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, they deliver all the nostalgic comfort of a homemade bake in a simple, portable form.

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Ingredients for this Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures easy removal and clean edges for slicing.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Carrots and Pineapple

Fold the grated carrots and drained pineapple into the wet mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—do not overmix. If using, fold in the chopped pecans.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until light and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Top with extra pecans or a sprinkle of orange zest if desired. Slice into bars and enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How finely should I grate the carrots?

Use the fine side of a box grater. Finely grated carrots incorporate better into the batter and yield a moister bar.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

It’s not recommended. Pre-shredded carrots are often too dry and coarse. Freshly grated carrots offer the best texture and moisture.

What if I don’t have pineapple?

You can substitute with applesauce or leave it out entirely. Pineapple adds moisture and a subtle sweetness.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Do the bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, they should be stored in the fridge.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the center for doneness.

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Want More Carrot Dessert Ideas?

If you loved these Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, you might also fall for The Best Carrot Cake Recipe—a layered showstopper that’s equally moist and warmly spiced. For something bite-sized, the Apple Pie Bombs offer a fruity twist in a similar hand-held format.

Looking for unique textures? The Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars blend gooey centers with crisp edges, or check out the Irresistible Lemon Drizzle Cake if you’re in the mood for something tangy and bright.

For brunch-friendly options, don’t miss the Creme Brulee French Toast—rich, custardy, and topped with a caramelized sugar crunch.

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