How do I store carrot cake bars and how long do they last?

You can store carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . For the best texture and flavor, allow them to come to room temperature before serving. If you need to store them longer, freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months , then thaw and frost when ready.

Can I make carrot cake bars without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, although the cream cheese frosting adds signature flavor, you can leave it off or substitute it with a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice or milk. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.

Can I make these carrot cake bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture will remain moist and tender, and the flavor will still shine through.

What’s the best way to shred carrots for this recipe?

For the moistest bars, use freshly grated carrots . A box grater or the shredding attachment on a food processor works well. Avoid pre-shredded carrots, as they’re often too dry and thick for baked goods.

Carrot Cake Bars – Best Easy Dessert Recipe

Name: Carrot Cake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Pinch of ground cloves; 8 ounces finely grated fresh carrots; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts); Optional: 1/4 cup raisins; 8 ounces (1 package) low-fat cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust for consistency)

Description

These carrot cake bars are moist, tender, and loaded with warm spices and fresh grated carrots. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect easy dessert for any occasion, delivering all the cozy comfort of traditional carrot cake in a convenient bar form.

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves
8 ounces finely grated fresh carrots
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Optional: 1/4 cup raisins
8 ounces (1 package) low-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust for consistency)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Whisk until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cloves.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the grated carrots and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually mix in sifted powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.
Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and texture.
Cool the bars completely before frosting to avoid melting.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frosting sweetness can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing powdered sugar.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 320
Sugar: 29g
Sodium: 260mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg