Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate Carrot Cake Bars Recipe — a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake that takes all the best flavors and textures and packs them into a perfectly portable, easy-to-share bar. These bars offer the moistness you want from a carrot cake, combined with the rich cream cheese frosting baked right in for a luscious finish. They’re a crowd-pleaser whether for a casual snack, a special dessert, or something to brighten up your afternoon coffee break. Trust me, once you try this Carrot Cake Bars Recipe, these flavorful treats will quickly become a go-to in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and spice that makes this carrot cake bars recipe irresistible. From the velvety cream cheese to the aromatic spices and fresh carrots, every item brings its own special magic to the mix.
- Cream cheese (6 ounces): Adds creamy richness and tang to the frosting swirl baked inside the bars.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup + ¼ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer and the cake batter separately for balanced sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the natural sweetness and brings depth to the flavor.
- Large egg yolk and large egg (1 each): Provide structure and richness to the layers, keeping the bars tender yet firm.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation for the cake layer, giving it just the right crumb.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): Helps the batter rise for a light, airy texture.
- Ground cinnamon (¾ teaspoon) and ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Classic warm spices that perfectly complement the carrots.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds moistness and richness when melted and blended into the batter.
- Light brown sugar (¾ cup): Brings a deep caramel sweetness and keeps the bars wonderfully moist.
- Finely shredded carrots (¾ cup): The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful pop of color.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
Start with room temperature cream cheese to ensure it mixes smoothly. Beat it together with ⅓ cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg yolk until it’s silky and fluffy. This luscious layer will add that irresistible tangy sweetness throughout the bars.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices. In another bowl, combine the melted butter with light brown sugar, granulated sugar, the whole egg, and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want a tender crumb. Finally, fold in the finely shredded carrots to distribute moisture and sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan for easy removal. Spread about two-thirds of the cake batter evenly into the pan. Gently dollop the cream cheese mixture on top and spread it out carefully. Finish by spreading the remaining carrot cake batter over the cream cheese layer, smoothing the surface.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the cream cheese) should come out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan; this cooling step ensures clean slices and a perfect texture.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze elevates these bars visually and adds an extra hit of sweetness. Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top bring an irresistible crunch and complement the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a cup of cozy chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness and spice. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes these bars an indulgent dessert experience that feels special but never overdone.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the carrot cake bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter for parties or potlucks. Alternatively, stack a few with layers of cream cheese frosting and carrot jam for a playful, layered dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover carrot cake bars covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to five days while maintaining their moist texture and wonderful flavor.
Freezing
Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the texture while ensuring they remain decadent and moist.
Reheating
If you prefer your carrot cake bars a little warm, heat them gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Be careful not to overheat to avoid drying out these luscious treats.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded carrots for this recipe?
Yes, pre-shredded carrots work well, but be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid making the bars too wet or dense.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and your Carrot Cake Bars Recipe will be just as delicious and satisfying.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Definitely, chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make fantastic additions for extra texture and flavor—just fold them in along with the shredded carrots.
How long do these bars last refrigerated?
Stored in an airtight container, carrot cake bars keep lovely for up to five days in the fridge, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, keep in mind the texture and richness might be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy, tangy swirls in the bars.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is truly one of those special dishes that brings joy with every bite. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but delightful enough for celebrations or gifting. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this tasty, spiced, creamy bar with your friends and family — it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite!
Print
Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Carrot Cake Bars are a delicious twist on classic carrot cake, combining a moist, spiced carrot-infused batter with a creamy vanilla cream cheese topping. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars offer a delightful texture and flavor in every bite. Ideal for dessert or a sweet snack, they bake up into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Topping
- 6 ounces block-style cream cheese, room temperature
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
Carrot Cake Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup finely shredded carrots, packed
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, â…“ cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly combine the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the light brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.
- Add Carrots and Dry Ingredients: Stir the shredded carrots into the wet mixture, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Assemble in Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. Spread half of the carrot cake batter evenly in the pan. Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently spread it to cover completely. Dollop the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer and lightly spread to cover the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake layer (avoiding the cream cheese layer) comes out clean and the cream cheese layer is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 9 squares to serve.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and moist.
- Use fresh finely shredded carrots for best texture and sweetness.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To make slicing easier, chill the bars before cutting.
