Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carrot Cake Cream Bars combine everything people love about classic carrot cake with the ease and elegance of a handheld dessert. These bars feature a moist, warmly spiced carrot cake base topped with a smooth, lightly tangy cream layer that balances sweetness perfectly. I tested this recipe several times to achieve a cake layer that stays tender without becoming dense, even after chilling. The cream topping firms up beautifully, making these bars easy to slice and serve for gatherings, holidays, or make-ahead desserts. They taste even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld. Whether you enjoy them with coffee in the afternoon or serve them as a light dessert after dinner, these bars feel indulgent without being overwhelming. They deliver classic comfort in a neat, bakery-style format that is both practical and impressive.
Print
Carrot Cake Cream Bars (Soft, Spiced, and Creamy Dessert Bars)
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and moist carrot cake cream bars layered with a rich, lightly sweetened cream filling, perfect as a make-ahead dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 200 g cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add grated carrots and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in walnuts if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes until set.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- For the cream layer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream separately to soft peaks, then fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cream evenly over the cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Chill well for cleaner slices.
- You may substitute mascarpone for cream cheese.
- Add raisins for a classic carrot cake variation.
- Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Carrots are the heart of this recipe, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and texture. Finely grated carrots blend seamlessly into the batter and keep the cake layer soft.
All-purpose flour creates structure and stability for the bars, ensuring clean slices once chilled.
Baking powder and baking soda work together to give the cake layer just enough lift without making it crumbly.
Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses depth that pairs perfectly with warm spices.
Granulated sugar balances the sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
Eggs bind the ingredients and contribute richness and structure.
Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and soft even after refrigeration.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide classic carrot cake warmth and aroma.
Salt sharpens flavors and prevents the bars from tasting overly sweet.
Cream cheese forms the base of the topping, offering tanginess and a smooth, creamy texture.
Powdered sugar sweetens the cream layer while keeping it light and silky.
Vanilla extract enhances both the cake and cream layers with subtle depth.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Slowly mix in the oil and vanilla. Fold in the grated carrots, then gently incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
For the cream layer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.
Spread the cream layer evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing into bars.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields twelve bars. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, baking time is 25 minutes, and chilling requires at least two hours.
Storage/reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. These bars are best served chilled and do not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Carrot Cake Cream Bars are easy to adapt based on preference. Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added crunch. If you enjoy a more pronounced spice profile, ginger or cloves can be added in small amounts.
For a lighter topping, you can fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. A dairy-free version can be made using plant-based cream cheese alternatives. For added texture, shredded coconut can be mixed into the cake layer, creating a more traditional carrot cake feel.
You can also add orange zest to the batter or cream layer for brightness. For extra indulgence, drizzle the chilled bars with a light cream cheese glaze before serving.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Finely Grate the Carrots
Smaller shreds blend better and prevent excess moisture pockets.
Do Not Overmix
Mixing gently keeps the cake layer tender.
Chill Before Cutting
Refrigeration ensures clean, professional-looking slices.
Flavor Development
These bars taste even better after resting overnight.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they are ideal for preparing one day in advance.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Peeling is recommended for smoother texture.
Can I freeze carrot cake cream bars?
Yes, freeze without slicing and thaw in the refrigerator.
What pan size works best?
A standard 9×9-inch pan is ideal.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce sugar, but texture may change.
Are these bars very sweet?
They are balanced with tangy cream cheese.
Can I add raisins?
Yes, raisins work well in the cake layer.
How long do they need to chill?
At least two hours for best firmness.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, though texture may be slightly softer.
Are these bars served cold or room temperature?
They are best served chilled.
Conclusion
Carrot Cake Cream Bars offer all the comfort of classic carrot cake in a refined, sliceable dessert. With their moist spiced base and creamy topping, they are perfect for entertaining, meal prep, or simply enjoying a well-balanced sweet treat. This recipe proves that timeless flavors can be transformed into a modern, convenient format without losing their charm.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!