Carrot Cake Bars
When you’re craving something sweet, warmly spiced, and irresistibly comforting, these Carrot Cake Bars are just the thing. They pack all the cozy flavor of classic carrot cake into an easy, shareable treat. Perfect for potlucks, dessert tables, or an afternoon coffee break, these bars are moist, aromatic, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Comfort food at its finest.
🧾 Ingredients
Carrot Cake Bars
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | ½ cup |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1½ tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp |
| Ground cloves (optional) | ¼ tsp |
| Finely grated carrots | 2 cups (about 3–4 medium carrots) |
| Crushed pineapple (drained) | ¾ cup |
| Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) | ½ cup |
Cream Cheese Frosting
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Salt | Pinch |
🍰 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
4. Fold in Add-Ins
Add the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts (if using). Stir gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
6. Make Frosting
Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, and beat until light and fluffy.
7. Frost & Slice
Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly across the top.
Slice into squares or bars and enjoy every sweet, spiced bite.
