Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert that feels homemade yet special, these Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a must-try. With their moist texture, warm spice, and rich frosting, they’re a show-stopping treat perfect for celebrations or cozy weekends at home. Packed with fresh carrots, hints of pineapple, and a silky cream cheese topping, they check all the boxes for comfort food and gourmet delight. Great for quick breakfast, easy dessert, or creative snack ideas, this is a standout addition to your list of easy recipes and food ideas for any season.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Fold in grated carrots and crushed pineapple. Add nuts and raisins if using.
5. Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Spread batter evenly into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
8. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
9. Frost cooled bars and garnish with chopped toasted pecans.
10. Slice into bars and serve or store as instructed.
Notes
Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and texture.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese topping.
Toast your pecans beforehand for extra crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg