Description
Moist, spiced, and topped with a rich layer of cream cheese frosting, these carrot cake bars are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether you need an easy dessert idea for a gathering, a cozy snack, or a make-ahead treat, this easy recipe will deliver. With real shredded carrots, warm spices, and chopped pecans, it’s a deliciously balanced option that also makes a great addition to your list of quick desserts, easy snacks, and holiday baking ideas.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups freshly grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Line with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Slowly stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
5. Fold in shredded carrots and pecans (if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
8. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
9. Add powdered sugar and vanilla to frosting; mix until smooth.
10. Frost the cooled bars and top with chopped pecans.
Notes
Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
You can swap pecans for walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: easy dessert, carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, snack bars, holiday baking