Carrot Cake Bars: A Simple and Delicious Spring Dessert
If you love carrot cake but want something easy to make and share, these Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect solution. They’re packed with the same warm, spiced flavors you love in traditional carrot cake but baked into convenient, portable bars.

Topped with rich cream cheese frosting, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion—from Easter brunches to casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Carrot Cake Bars
🥕 Moist and Flavorful
Every bite is filled with warm spices, fresh carrots, and a hint of sweetness.
🕒 Quick and Easy
These bars come together in no time, and there’s no need to worry about layering or decorating an entire cake.
🍴 Perfect for Sharing
Their bar shape makes them easy to serve and perfect for potlucks, parties, or lunchbox treats.
🎨 Customizable
Add mix-ins like raisins, coconut, or pineapple to make them your own.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars
For the Bars:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Bar Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts.
2️⃣ Bake the Bars
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
3️⃣ Make the Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until light and fluffy.
4️⃣ Frost and Cut the Bars
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts or shredded carrots for garnish, if desired.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Bars
🥕 Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper
Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting and serving.
🌰 Toast the Nuts
For added flavor, toast the walnuts before folding them into the batter.
📦 Store Properly
Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
🎨 Creative Variations
Add a handful of raisins, coconut, or crushed pineapple for extra texture and flavor.

Carrot Cake Bars
Ingredients
Bars:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp heavy cream optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients, carrots, and walnuts.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream.
- Spread frosting on bars. Cut into squares and enjoy!