Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that feels like a cozy hug in every bite, look no further than these delightful Carrot Cake Bars. They capture all the warm, spiced goodness of traditional carrot cake but with the ease and portability of a bar. Rich with moist shredded carrots, toasted pecans, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, Carrot Cake Bars are perfect for sharing with friends, enjoying as an afternoon treat, or bringing to your next potluck. The balance of spices and sweetness makes them absolutely irresistible and sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the warm spices to the buttery crunch of pecans, making these bars anything but ordinary.

• Unsalted butter (¾ cup, melted and cooled slightly): Provides rich moisture and helps create the tender crumb of the bars.
• Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds deep molasses notes and moisture, enhancing the spiced flavor.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances sweetness and helps tenderize the batter.
• Large egg plus one egg yolk: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the batter.
• Pure vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons): Lends sweetness and aromatic warmth that complements the spices.
• All-purpose flour (1⅓ cups, spooned and leveled): The foundation of the bars, providing structure without heaviness.
• Ground cinnamon (2½ teaspoons): Key warming spice that defines the flavor profile.
• Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing that brightens the spice mix.
• Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Offers aromatic depth and complexity.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Baking powder (1 scant teaspoon): Gives the bars a light, tender lift.
• Shredded carrots (1 cup, loosely measured): The star ingredient adding natural sweetness and moist texture.
• Toasted pecans (½ cup, finely chopped): Contribute delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Essential for creamy, tangy frosting.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Creates a smooth, luscious frosting body.
• Powdered sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
• Pure vanilla extract (½ teaspoon for frosting): Rounds out the frosting flavor with a gentle warmth.
• Optional garnish: finely chopped toasted pecans: Adds a beautiful textural contrast and nutty finish.

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and positioning a rack in the center. Prepare a 9×9-inch square metal pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper, then lightly grease it to ensure your Carrot Cake Bars won’t stick and will lift out easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk your melted butter together with both the brown and granulated sugars until fully combined and slightly creamy, about one minute. Then add the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking again until everything is smooth and glossy. This mixture sets the stage for a rich yet tender bar.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. These dry elements bring warm, fragrant spice and just the right lift to the bars, infusing every bite with cozy flavor.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet bowl. Whisk gently just until integrated – you want to keep the batter tender, so avoid overmixing. When the flour disappears, switch tools and fold in your shredded carrots and chopped toasted pecans with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. This adds moisture and great texture to your batter.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Spread your batter evenly in the prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your Carrot Cake Bars should rise slightly but remain nicely flat for easy slicing. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Then slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. If the frosting feels too soft, you can firm it up by adding a bit more powdered sugar or chilling it in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

Step 7: Frost and Garnish

Once the bars are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top. For a pretty finishing touch, sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans over the frosting. Many love piping a zigzag pattern over pre-cut bars to make each piece a little work of art!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars

Garnishes

While toasted pecans add crunch and look gorgeous, you can also get creative with cinnamon dusting or a drizzle of honey for extra flair. A few small edible flowers or grated orange zest brighten the presentation and provide a fresh burst of flavor that complements the spices.

Side Dishes

Carrot Cake Bars shine beautifully alongside a cup of chai tea or strong coffee in the afternoon. For a brunch spread, pair them with fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to balance out the sweet richness. They also make a fun, portable dessert for picnics or potlucks.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Carrot Cake Bars into miniature desserts by cutting them into bite-sized squares on a dessert platter. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat. You might also try layering pieces with frosting in a trifle bowl for a stunning visual dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your Carrot Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and creamy. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for a make-ahead dessert or snack during the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these bars, it’s best to do so without the frosting first. Wrap the uncut bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw fully in the fridge, then frost just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Carrot Cake Bars are lovely at room temperature, so allow refrigerated bars to sit out for about an hour before serving. If you prefer warm bars, you can gently heat individual pieces in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, but avoid warming frosted bars for too long to prevent the frosting from melting.

FAQs

Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives to pecans and add their own unique crunch and flavor. Just be sure to toast them gently for the best taste.

Is it possible to make Carrot Cake Bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend measured one-to-one. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure, and your bars should turn out moist and delicious.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly or use a lighter hand with the frosting sugar. The warm spices and carrots also add natural sweetness, so don’t hesitate to adjust sugar levels to your taste.

Can I add raisins or pineapple to the batter?

Certainly! Adding raisins or small pieces of crushed pineapple adds wonderful moisture and bursts of sweetness. Just remember to drain pineapple well and fold them in gently to avoid making the batter too wet.

How should I cut the bars to keep the frosting neat?

It helps to cut the bars before frosting and then pipe the frosting onto each square. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping it clean between cuts, to create clean edges without much frosting smudging.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Carrot Cake Bars, you’ll find them impossible to resist. Their moist, warmly spiced cake paired with silky cream cheese frosting hits every note of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to brighten an ordinary day, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making this new favorite dessert—you won’t regret it!

Print