Name: Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups finely grated carrots; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ¾ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup vegetable oil; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

These Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect blend of moist, flavorful cake topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Whether I’m craving a quick dessert or looking for a sweet snack, these bars are incredibly simple to make and absolutely irresistible.

Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

2 cups finely grated carrots

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

¾ cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup vegetable oil

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.

In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, then set it aside.

In a large bowl, I mix together the grated carrots, applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until everything is smooth and well combined.

Gradually, I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. I try to avoid overmixing here.

I pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

The bars bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, I let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

While the bars cool, I prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Then, I gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.

Once the bars are fully cooled, I spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.

I cut them into squares and serve! Any leftovers get stored in the refrigerator.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9 bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Nuts: I can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture. Just be sure to mix them in after combining the dry and wet ingredients.

Spices: For extra warmth, I like to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients. This gives the bars an even deeper flavor.

Coconut: Sometimes, I’ll add shredded coconut to the batter for added texture and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the carrot cake.

Storage/Reheating

I store the leftover carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for about 4-5 days. If I want to enjoy them slightly warm, I can microwave them for 15-20 seconds. They also freeze well—just wrap the bars in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, I simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.

FAQs

How can I make these bars healthier?

To make them a bit healthier, I can swap out the vegetable oil for a lighter option like coconut oil or reduce the amount of sugar by using a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup. For extra fiber, I could even use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Can I make these without the cream cheese frosting?

Definitely! If I prefer a lighter option, I can skip the cream cheese frosting altogether or use a lighter glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. For a more decadent twist, I could even add a chocolate drizzle on top.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! If I need more bars, I can double the ingredients and bake them in a larger pan. I usually use a 9x13-inch pan for doubled recipes, but I may need to adjust the baking time by a few minutes.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead?

Yes, I can save time by using store-bought cream cheese frosting. However, I find that homemade frosting really takes the flavor to the next level. Still, if I’m short on time, store-bought frosting will work in a pinch.

How do I know when the carrot cake bars are done?

I always check the bars by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, then they’re ready. If not, I’ll bake them for a few more minutes and check again.

Conclusion

These easy carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting have become one of my go-to desserts because they’re so simple, yet so satisfying. They offer the best of both worlds—moist, flavorful cake and rich, creamy frosting—making them perfect for any occasion. Whether I'm making them for a casual snack or a special gathering, these bars are sure to impress!

Recipe:

Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These easy carrot cake bars are the perfect blend of moist, flavorful cake topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. They are simple to make, yet indulgent and versatile for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set it aside.
In a large bowl, mix the grated carrots, applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
While the bars cool, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Once the bars are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.
Cut into squares and serve! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.