
These Carrot Cake Bars blend juicy carrots, cozy spices, and zesty cream cheese into something truly mouthwatering. Each chunk gives you soft, moist cake packed with fresh carrots and crushed pineapple, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting that lifts this favorite to another level.
I've tweaked this recipe for years and found that carrots you grate yourself plus properly drained pineapple give just the right moisture. When these two work together, you'll get bars that somehow stay fresh and tasty for days on end.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Fresh carrots: They make everything moist and sweet.
- Quality cream cheese: The key to amazing frosting.
- Fresh spices: They bring that warm, cozy taste.
- Well-drained pineapple: Adds a hint of tang.
- Pure vanilla extract: Makes everything taste better.
Crafting Your Delicious Bars
- Mixing Spices:
- Be exact with measurements for the right flavor.
- Carrot Prep:
- Grab a grater and do it fresh for the best results.
- Getting Pineapple Ready:
- Squeeze out all extra juice.
- Working The Butter:
- Whip it until it's super fluffy.
- Combining Everything:
- Fold gently so bars stay tender.
- Pan Preparation:
- Spread your mix evenly across the pan.
- Checking Doneness:
- Poke the middle to make sure it's done.
- Adding Frosting:
- Wait until completely cool before spreading.

What makes these bars special is getting the carrot and pineapple amounts just right. My kitchen smells so good with all those warm spices while they're in the oven. It's so hard not to frost them right away!
Stunning Serving Options
Show off your bars on a wooden platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar. For fancy times, add tiny cream cheese frosting swirls on each piece and sprinkle with finely chopped candied walnuts. Make a fancy spread by putting them next to bright berries and fresh mint.
Fun Ways To Switch It Up
Add some coconut flakes for a vacation vibe. Try different nuts like toasted pecans or macadamias for exciting crunch. Make them extra spicy by throwing in cardamom and ginger along with the cinnamon, or pour some caramel on top for a sweet treat.
Keeping Them Fresh
Keep your bars tasting great by putting them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days. The cream cheese topping stays nice and the bars actually get more moist and tasty over time. If you want to save them longer, wrap each piece and stick it in the freezer for up to three months.
Serving Temperature Advice
These taste great slightly cold or at room temp, whatever you like better. If you grab them straight from the fridge, let them sit out for about 15 minutes so the frosting gets a bit softer and all the flavors wake up.
Making these Carrot Cake Bars has become one of my favorite baking rituals. There's something magical about mixing healthy carrots with rich cream cheese frosting that creates just the right balance. Whenever I bake a batch, seeing people's first delighted bite reminds me that sometimes the desserts we love most are both comforting and special all at once.

Recipe FAQs
- → Can I leave out pineapple?
- Sure, but it helps the bars stay soft. Swap it with applesauce if you like.
- → What's the best way to store them?
- Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days since the frosting has cream cheese.
- → Can these be frozen?
- Yes, freeze the bars without frosting for up to 3 months. Add the frosting after they're thawed.
- → Why is pineapple included?
- It gives natural sweetness and keeps the bars soft without making them dense.
- → Can I use ready-made shredded carrots?
- Freshly grated ones are better since they're more moist. Ready-made ones can be dry.
Carrot Bars with Frosting
Soft spiced carrot bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Pineapple and fresh carrots add extra flavor.
Ingredients
→ Dry Ingredients
→ Wet Ingredients
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
Steps
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Coat a 9x13-inch pan with butter and flour.
Stir together cinnamon, flour, salt, nutmeg, baking powder, ginger, and baking soda in a bowl.
Cream the butter and sugars until airy, then toss in eggs one by one. Mix in vanilla. Slowly add dry ingredients. Fold in the carrots, pineapple, and nuts last.
Put the batter into the pan, spread it evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let it cool fully before frosting.
Whip the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. Spread all over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Softened butter and cream cheese work best.
- Drain your pineapple well or the batter might get too soggy.
Required Tools
- 9x13 pan
- Hand or stand mixer
- Cooling rack
- Big mixing bowls
Allergy Information
Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
- Has dairy products
- Includes eggs
- Contains gluten/wheat
- May have nuts (walnuts)
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
- Calories: 285
- Fats: 14.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38.5 g
- Proteins: 4.3 g