These Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect balance of moist, spiced carrot cake topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. They’re a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether for a holiday gathering, a family celebration, or just a simple dessert at home, these bars are the ideal dessert for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot cake lovers, rejoice! These Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars give you all the warm, comforting flavors of a traditional carrot cake but in a more portable, bite-sized form. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh carrots creates a spiced, moist cake, while the tangy cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re perfect for making ahead and storing, so you can enjoy them for days!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 cups grated carrots
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another large bowl, beat the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well-combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the grated carrots and the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 24 bars

Variations

Add nuts: If you love nuts in your carrot cake, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
Spiced-up frosting: For an extra burst of flavor in the frosting, add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
Vegan Version: To make these bars vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: While these bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, you can microwave them for a few seconds if you prefer them warm. However, the frosting will soften when reheated.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious version of these bars.

2. Can I make the bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These carrot cake bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze the carrot cake bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

4. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready.

5. Can I make these bars without the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the frosting or substitute it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice.

6. Can I use pre-grated carrots?

You can use pre-grated carrots, but freshly grated carrots will yield a better texture and moisture for the bars.

7. How can I make these bars spicier?

For a spicier flavor, add a little more cinnamon or nutmeg, or include some ground ginger to the batter.

8. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, brown sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar, which will give the bars a richer, more caramel-like flavor.

9. Can I add other fruits to the batter?

Yes, chopped pineapple or raisins would make a great addition to the batter for more flavor and texture.

10. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a wonderfully indulgent treat that combines all the deliciousness of carrot cake with the smooth richness of cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple family desserts. With their spiced flavor and moist texture, these bars will be a hit with everyone who loves a sweet, comforting dessert!

Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars

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Print Recipe

Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a soft, spiced treat that combines the comforting flavors of carrot cake with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice, they’re ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 24 bars

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another large bowl, beat the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well-combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the grated carrots and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Add Nuts: If you love nuts in your carrot cake, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Spiced Frosting: Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the cream cheese frosting for an extra burst of flavor.
Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Desserts, Cake Bars, Holiday Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian