If you love carrot cake but want an easier, more portable version, these Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect solution. Packed with warm spices, grated carrots, and a hint of applesauce for extra moisture, these bars deliver all the classic flavors you crave in a simple, easy-to-make format. Topped with a luscious, creamy frosting, these bars are both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re making them for a casual afternoon snack or a special occasion, these carrot cake bars will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes the classic carrot cake and transforms it into convenient, handheld bars that are perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how moist and flavorful these bars are, thanks to the addition of applesauce, grated carrots, and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The simple cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness, complementing the spiced cake beautifully. The bars are also incredibly versatile—add a handful of chopped pecans for extra texture, or keep them simple and let the carrot flavor shine. Best of all, they come together quickly, so you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade carrot cake with minimal effort.
Perfect Occasion
These carrot cake bars are perfect for a wide range of occasions. They make an excellent dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a casual weeknight treat. Because they’re baked in a bar form, they’re easier to serve and transport than a traditional layered cake, making them ideal for bake sales, picnics, or taking to work. Their cozy, spiced flavor also makes them perfect for autumn and holiday celebrations, but they’re just as delicious year-round. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these bars fit the bill perfectly.
Decoration Tips
For an extra special touch, you can decorate the frosted bars with a variety of toppings. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for a bit of crunch and flavor contrast. If you want to stick with the carrot theme, a few finely grated carrot shreds scattered over the frosting will not only add a pop of color but also highlight the key ingredient. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little honey or caramel over the top for added sweetness and visual appeal. You can also sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon over the frosting for a warm, fragrant finish.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 100ml (½ cup) butter, melted
- 130g (½ cup) applesauce
- 4 large eggs
- 100ml milk (or more, if needed)
- 80g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
- 80g (⅓ cup) brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 10g (2 ½ tsp) baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 280g (2 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 300g (2 ½ cups) grated carrots
- Chopped pecans (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 150g (⅔ cup) cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 45ml (2 Tbsp) skimmed milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a square or rectangular baking pan, or use a silicone pan to prevent sticking. - Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, applesauce, and eggs until fully combined. - Add Sugars:
Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, making sure everything is mixed well. This creates a sweet, moist base for the cake. - Incorporate the Spices:
Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Stir well to distribute the warm spices throughout the batter. - Sift in Dry Ingredients:
Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Be careful not to overmix. - Add Carrots and Pecans:
Fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you like, add some chopped pecans for a bit of crunch and extra flavor. - Prepare the Pan and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. - Make the Frosting:
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by whisking together the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and skimmed milk until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency. - Frost the Bars:
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can decorate with extra pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or grated carrots for a finishing touch. - Slice and Serve:
Cut the cake into bars and serve. These carrot cake bars are perfect on their own or paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Enjoy!
These moist and flavorful carrot cake bars are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of carrot cake in a convenient, easy-to-share format. Topped with creamy frosting, they’re sure to become a go-to dessert for any occasion!
