Easy Sheet Pan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Looking for an effortless and delicious way to satisfy your dessert cravings? Our easy sheet pan carrot cake bars recipe is the perfect choice for any baking enthusiast. This recipe brings the warmth of homemade carrot cake into convenient, shareable bars that are perfect for any occasion.

Growing up, family gatherings were never complete without my grandmother’s famous carrot cake. Her secret was in the spices and the love she poured into each slice. Now, I’ve translated her timeless recipe into easy sheet pan bars, preserving that nostalgic flavor while enhancing its practicality for today’s busy lifestyles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets these carrot cake bars apart is their perfect blend of ease and taste. You can whip them up in no time, and they bake evenly in a sheet pan, ensuring each bar is as moist and flavorful as the next. Plus, the spices and cream cheese frosting make it irresistibly delightful.

Ingredients Notes

Key ingredients include grated carrots, spices, and cream cheese. Source fresh, organic carrots when possible for the best flavor. Feel free to swap nuts or raisins to fit your preference.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, including flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients – eggs, oil, and brown sugar. Gradually combine with the dry mixture, adding the carrots last.

Step 4

Pour the batter into your lined sheet pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 5

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top and cut into bars.

Storage Options

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. These bars also freeze well! To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

For a healthier twist, swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. Add-ins such as crushed pineapple or shredded coconut can give these bars a tropical flair. For dietary needs, consider veganizing the recipe by using plant-based alternatives for eggs and cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

These carrot cake bars are ideal for afternoon tea, birthdays, or a potluck. Serve chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of extra frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds a pleasant crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, like baking powder, are certified gluten-free.

What’s the best way to grate carrots for this recipe? Using a box grater will yield finely grated carrots that blend seamlessly into the batter. Avoid pre-shredded carrots, as they are often too dry and lack freshness.

Is it possible to make the frosting less sweet? Absolutely! Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese frosting to your taste, or add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness while enhancing flavor.

Easy Sheet Pan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

This easy sheet pan carrot cake bars recipe combines all the warm flavors of a classic carrot cake into convenient, shareable bars. Perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 2 teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ 1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ▢ 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1 cup vegetable oil
• ▢ 4 large eggs
• ▢ 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 3 cup grated carrots about 4-5 medium carrots
• ▢ 1 cup chopped walnuts optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12x17 inch rimmed baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts, if using.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Notes

For a delicious cream cheese frosting, mix together 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth, then spread over cooled bars.