Best Ever Carrot Cake Bars are everything you love about classic carrot cake—just easier, snackable, and unbelievably delicious! These bars are moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, making them an instant favorite for any occasion. Plus, they’re simple to make, great for sharing, and packed with warm flavors that feel like a hug in every bite.
Did you know carrot cake has been around since medieval times? Back then, people used carrots to sweeten desserts because sugar was expensive. Fast forward to today, and it’s become a beloved treat—especially with that iconic cream cheese frosting!
What makes these bars truly the best ever? Finely grated carrots keep them super moist, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger add cozy warmth. The secret ingredient? A little crushed pineapple for natural sweetness and soft texture. And to top it all off, a sprinkle of crunchy walnuts adds the perfect bite!
Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because—you’ll love how easy and delicious these bars are. So, let’s bake!
Recipe Yield: 12 bars
INGREDIENTS
Carrot Cake Bars
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ginger
½ tsp salt
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temp
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ¾ cup finely grated carrots
½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
½ cup chopped walnuts (plus more for topping)
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. Blend Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add Carrots & Pineapple: Stir in grated carrots and drained pineapple until evenly mixed.
5. Combine & Fold: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy and fluffy.
8. Frost & Finish: Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts for crunch.
9. Slice & Enjoy: Cut into 12 bars and serve!
HELPFUL TIPS TO PERFECT THIS RECIPE
- Finely Grate the Carrots: Smaller shreds blend better into the batter, keeping it super moist.
- Drain Pineapple Well: Press out excess liquid using a paper towel to prevent soggy cake.
- Chill the Frosting Before Spreading: This helps with smooth application and cleaner slices.
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