Carrot Cake Bars: A Moist & Flavorful Easter Dessert

Looking for the perfect Easter dessert bars? These Carrot Cake Bars are soft, spiced, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Packed with warm flavors, shredded carrots, and a hint of cinnamon, this carrot cake bars recipe delivers all the goodness of classic carrot cake in a simple, handheld form.

Whether you’re craving a cake bars recipe for spring gatherings, need a dessert bar recipe for a party, or want a fun twist on a traditional carrot cake recipe, these bars are a must-try!

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What Are Carrot Cake Bars?

These carrot cake bars are a cross between a cookie bar and a classic carrot cake recipe. They have the moist, spiced flavor of carrot cake but are baked into bars cookies form, making them easy to slice and serve.

Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these bars are the ultimate cake bar dessert for Easter, springtime celebrations, or anytime you’re craving a delicious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easier Than Layer Cake: No stacking, no fuss—just bake, frost, and slice!
• Soft & Moist: Thanks to freshly grated carrots and warm spices.
• Perfect for Easter & Spring: A great Easter dessert bars option.
• Portable & Shareable: Ideal for bake sales, brunches, and parties.
• Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra spice!)
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups shredded carrots

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a tangy twist!)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Shredded coconut
• Cinnamon sugar dusting

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (for frosting)
• 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine & Fold in Carrots

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
2. Gently fold in the shredded carrots, making sure not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Bars

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
3. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon juice for extra flavor.

Step 7: Frost & Decorate

1. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars.
2. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or cinnamon sugar if desired.

Step 8: Slice & Serve

1. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Bars

• Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the bars soft and tender.
• Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Store leftovers properly to keep the bars fresh and moist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping parchment paper: Makes slicing and serving easier.
• Overbaking: Check at 22 minutes to prevent dryness.
• Using pre-shredded carrots: They are too dry—always use freshly grated!

Variations & Flavor Twists

• Nutty Carrot Cake Bars: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Coconut Carrot Bars: Stir in ¼ cup shredded coconut for extra sweetness.
• Carrot Cake Blondies: Swap half the flour for almond flour for a denser texture.
• Carrot Cake Cookie Bars: Add ½ cup white chocolate chips for a fun twist!

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Make Ahead: Bake and freeze the unfrosted bars; thaw and frost before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These carrot cake bars pair well with:

• A warm cup of coffee or tea
• A side of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh fruit like strawberries or pineapple
• Drizzled caramel sauce for extra indulgence

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FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Can I use a 9×13-inch pan instead?

Yes, but the bars will be thinner—reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.

Can I add raisins to the recipe?

Absolutely! Add ½ cup raisins for a traditional carrot cake touch.

Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

Yes! These bars are delicious on their own or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Bars are a simple yet irresistible Easter dessert bars recipe that brings the warm, spiced flavors of carrot cake into an easy-to-make cake bars recipe. Whether you’re baking for a spring gathering, looking for a fun dessert bar recipe, or need a new cookie bar idea, these moist, flavorful bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Try this carrot cake bars recipe today and share with friends and family! If you love this dessert, subscribe for more cake bar and bars cookies recipes.

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