There’s something about Carrot Cake that instantly makes it a crowd favorite. Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting elevate this beloved classic into a soft, moist, and irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to make a quick dessert for a family dinner, hosting a party, or simply treating yourself, these carrot cake bars offer all the comforting flavors of carrot cake, packed into an easy-to-make bar form with a dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting.

Carrot cake has always been a favorite for those who appreciate the natural sweetness of carrots combined with a warm spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add to that a decadent cream cheese frosting and you have the perfect dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

These carrot cake bars are incredibly moist, soft, and full of flavor, while the frosting adds the perfect amount of creaminess to balance out the spices and sweetness of the cake. Let’s dive into this recipe and create these mouthwatering bars that will surely impress!

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Ingredients (Makes 16-20 bars)

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• All-purpose flour – 180g (1 ½ cups)
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon
• Ground cloves – ¼ teaspoon (optional)
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Granulated sugar – 200g (1 cup)
• Brown sugar – 100g (½ cup)
• Large eggs – 3
• Vegetable oil – 180ml (¾ cup)
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
• Carrots, finely grated – 300g (about 3 medium carrots)
• Walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional) – 80g (½ cup)
• Raisins (optional) – 80g (½ cup)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened – 225g (8 oz)
• Unsalted butter, softened – 115g (½ cup)
• Powdered sugar – 250g (2 cups)
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Pinch of salt – ¼ teaspoon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Carrot Cake Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is smooth and combined.
4. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

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2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, continuing to beat until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and beat for another 1-2 minutes, until the frosting is light and airy.

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3. Frost the Carrot Cake Bars:

1. Once the carrot cake bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
2. For a decorative touch, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or cinnamon on top of the frosting, if desired.

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4. Serve & Enjoy:

1. Cut the bars into squares (about 16-20 pieces, depending on your preferred size).
2. Serve the carrot cake bars at room temperature and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors. They’re perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or simply as an indulgent treat any day of the week.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 Bar)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 14g
• Sugar: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg

(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Carrot Cake Bars

✔ Use Fresh Carrots – Freshly grated carrots provide the best flavor and moisture for these bars. Avoid pre-grated carrots, as they can dry out the batter.
✔ Chill the Frosting – If you find that the cream cheese frosting is too soft to spread, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before frosting the bars.
✔ Don’t Overmix – Overmixing the batter can result in dense, heavy bars. Mix until just combined for the perfect light and fluffy texture.
✔ Add More Spices – If you love warm spices, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra spiced kick.
✔ Make It a Layer Cake – If you prefer a layered cake, double the recipe and bake in two 9-inch round pans. Frost between the layers for a delicious carrot cake layer cake.
✔ Make Ahead – The bars can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerated for up to 4-5 days.

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Serving Suggestions

🍨 With Ice Cream – For a decadent dessert experience, top your carrot cake bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream.
🍓 With Fresh Berries – Garnish with fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, for a touch of tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
☕ With Coffee or Tea – Enjoy these carrot cake bars with a cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy, comforting treat.
🎉 For Special Occasions – These carrot cake bars make an excellent addition to birthday celebrations, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any family gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Moist & Flavorful – These carrot cake bars are incredibly moist and packed with the warm spices and sweetness you love in traditional carrot cake.
✅ Easy to Make – No need to fuss with layering a cake. The bar format makes these much quicker and easier to prepare than a classic carrot cake.
✅ Perfect Balance of Flavors – The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the warm, spiced carrot cake, creating the ultimate dessert combination.
✅ Ideal for Sharing – These carrot cake bars are perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.