Carrot bars are a delicious, spiced dessert packed with warm flavors and topped with creamy frosting. These moist bars combine brown sugar, spices, raisins, walnuts, and shredded carrots for a treat that tastes like a cross between cake and cookies. The tangy cream cheese icing adds the perfect finishing touch. These bars are easy to make and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or afternoon snacks.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Carrot Bars with Cream Cheese Icing
Carrot Bars with Cream Cheese Icing FAQ
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, pecans or almonds work well as a substitute for walnuts.
Can I make these without raisins?
Absolutely! The bars will still be moist and flavorful without them.
How should I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze carrot bars?
Yes, freeze them unfrosted in an airtight container for up to two months.
Food History
Carrot cake has been around for centuries, with roots in medieval Europe when sweetened vegetables were used in desserts. Carrots became a popular ingredient during sugar shortages, as they naturally add sweetness. The modern version, with cream cheese frosting, gained popularity in the 20th century. Carrot bars are a simpler, more convenient way to enjoy the same flavors in an easy-to-serve format.
Timeline
- Middle Ages – Carrots are used in sweet puddings.
- 1700s – Carrot-based desserts appear in European cookbooks.
- 1940s – Carrot cake becomes popular in the U.S. during WWII sugar rationing.
- 1960s-1970s – Cream cheese frosting becomes the standard topping.
- Today – Carrot bars provide a quick alternative to traditional carrot cake.
Recipe Discussion
This recipe creates moist, flavorful bars that bring together warm spices, sweet carrots, and crunchy walnuts. The combination of allspice, cinnamon, and brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots. The raisins add chewy texture, while the walnuts provide a subtle crunch. The bars are baked in a 13×9-inch pan, making them easy to slice and serve. The cream cheese icing is smooth and slightly tangy, complementing the spiced cake perfectly.
Preparation Tips
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture.
- Sift the dry ingredients before mixing to ensure even distribution.
- Grease the baking pan well to prevent sticking.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store frosted bars in the fridge for longer freshness.
Recommended Kitchen Products
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.
- Box grater – Perfect for shredding fresh carrots quickly.
- 13×9-inch baking pan – A nonstick pan ensures even baking.
- Offset spatula – Makes spreading the frosting easy and smooth.
- Cooling rack – Helps the bars cool evenly before frosting.
Serving Suggestions
- With a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Drizzled with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Cut into bite-sized squares for party platters.
- Sprinkled with chopped nuts for added texture.
A Classic Treat in Bar Form
Carrot bars bring all the flavors of classic carrot cake in a simple, easy-to-make recipe. They are a delightful dessert for any occasion with warm spices, crunchy nuts, and a creamy frosting. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a holiday treat, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Start Your Recipe Box
- Start your recipe box or your family or friends. View New and Vintage Recipe Boxes
- View Recipe Cards and Templates
- View Recipe Card Protectors and Sleeves
Vintage Goodies
- Vintage Kitchenware on Etsy
- Vintage Recipes on Amazon
- Vintage Cookbooks on eBay
- Vintage Cookbooks on Etsy
Carrot Bars with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Carrot Bars with Cream Cheese Icing
Carrot bars are a soft, spiced dessert packed with carrots, raisins, and walnuts, then topped with creamy frosting. A quick and easy alternative to carrot cake.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup oil
- 1 cup golden brown sugar (packed)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1½ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¾ cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1½ cups grated carrot
Cream Cheese Icing
- 3-ounce package cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Milk
Instructions
- Beat oil and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Add remaining ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Pour into greased 13-by-9-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350° 30 minutes or until a pick inserted in center comes out dry.
- Cool.
- Spread with icing.
Cream Cheese Icing:
- Beat cream cheese with butter until smooth.
- Beat in powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk (one-half to one teaspoon) to make icing smooth and spreadable.