Carrot Cake Bars: A Deliciously Easy Dessert for Any Occasion

There’s something undeniably comforting about carrot cake—the warm spices, the tender crumb, and that luscious cream cheese frosting. But let’s be honest: sometimes, you want all that goodness without the fuss of layering cakes or worrying about presentation. That’s where these Carrot Cake Bars come in! They’re everything you love about classic carrot cake, baked into a simple, shareable pan. Perfect for spring brunches, potlucks, or just satisfying that midweek sweet tooth.

I first made these bars for a last-minute bake sale at my daughter’s school, and let’s just say they disappeared faster than I could say seconds, please! The secret? They’re incredibly moist (thanks to shredded carrots and a touch of applesauce), packed with cozy cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting that’s impossible to resist. Plus, they’re a sneaky way to get a veggie boost—though we won’t tell if you just call them dessert!

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Bars

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, these bars are a win. Here’s why:

• Easy to make: No fancy equipment or decorating skills needed—just mix, bake, and frost!
• Crowd-pleasing: They’re a hit with kids and adults alike (even carrot cake skeptics!).
• Meal-prep friendly: They stay moist for days, making them great for make-ahead treats.
• Versatile: Add nuts, raisins, or even pineapple for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what to grab for these irresistible bars:

• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla.
4. Fold in carrots: Add the wet ingredients to the dry, then stir in grated carrots.
5. Bake: Spread batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Frost: Once cooled, top with cream cheese frosting (recipe below!).

Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Finishing Touch

No carrot cake is complete without a generous layer of cream cheese frosting! Here’s my go-to recipe:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Beat all ingredients until smooth, then spread over cooled bars. Pro tip: For a lighter frosting, try this variation from Food Network!

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Grate carrots finely: Larger shreds can make the bars denser.
• Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the texture tender.
• Toast the nuts: If adding walnuts or pecans, toast them first for extra flavor.
• Storage: Keep bars refrigerated (thanks to the frosting!) for up to 5 days.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these Carrot Cake Bars are sure to bring smiles. They’re a reminder that the simplest treats often taste the best—especially when shared. Looking for more easy desserts? Try our famous banana bread or these lemon blueberry muffins next. Happy baking!