Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are everything you love about classic carrot cake—moist, spiced, and perfectly sweet—but in easy-to-serve bar form. Each bite delivers the comforting warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, paired with the creamy tang of smooth frosting. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or anytime you crave a cozy dessert that feels homemade from the heart.

Absolutely! Here’s a beautifully written, bakery-style article for Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, crafted to sound warm, indulgent, and wholesome—without ever mentioning the brand name.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist & Flavorful: Packed with fresh carrots and warm spices.
Creamy Frosting: A rich, tangy topping that complements every bite.
Easy to Slice & Serve: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or afternoon treats.
Simple Ingredients: Classic pantry staples—no fuss, all flavor.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce (or light oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
• Optional: ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained, or chopped walnuts for extra texture

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz light cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth and combined.

4. Combine Batter
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in grated carrots (and optional pineapple or nuts if using).

5. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

6. Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth and fluffy.

7. Frost & Slice
Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 170
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Finely Grate Carrots: They blend better and keep the bars moist.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined for a tender crumb.
• Cool Completely: Frosting will melt if bars are still warm.
• Make Ahead: Store in the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Why This Recipe Works

The natural sweetness and moisture from carrots pair beautifully with warm spices and a touch of applesauce for a lighter texture. The smooth cream cheese frosting ties it all together, creating a dessert that’s rich but balanced, indulgent yet not heavy.

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect dessert for when you want something comforting, classic, and shareable. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a silky layer of frosting, they capture the timeless charm of carrot cake—made simple, portable, and utterly irresistible.