Description
Bite into these irresistibly soft and spiced Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—a no-fuss treat that delivers bakery-quality results in a compact, bar-sized format. This recipe brings together the warming flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, sweet bursts of crushed pineapple, and a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting that makes each bite completely satisfying. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast treat, an easy dessert idea, or something sweet for brunch or potlucks, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Simple, nostalgic, and universally loved, they’re sure to become one of your go-to food ideas when you’re craving something homemade and delightful.
Ingredients
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)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment or grease it lightly.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until creamy.
- Fold in grated carrots and pineapple.
- Add dry mixture to wet, stirring until just combined. Stir in pecans if using.
- Pour batter into pan and smooth top. Bake 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until fluffy.
- Frost the bars. Top with pecans or orange zest if desired. Slice and serve.