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Carrot Cake Bars

These Carrot Cake Bars are packed full of fresh grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, and golden raisins topped with a rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting everyone will love.

Forget the fuss of baking and icing a layered cake and opt for these easy Carrot Cake Bars instead. This is an easy peasy, yet delicious recipe no one will forget.

Carrot Cake Bars, or sometimes called Carrot Sheet Cake, are where it's at for Easter and the spring.

A 9 x 13" baking pan filled with a shredded cake mixture with unsweetened applesauce, crushed pineapple, and topped with a creamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts around the outside edge of the cake next to a bunch of carrots.

This is a gluten and dairy free recipe you want to hold onto and not misplace.

And you can leave out what you don't like--- not a raisin fan then skip adding those. Not a walnut or pecan fan then leave those out too.

Or if you love those ingredients-- add in more! This recipe could easily handle another cup of raisins and more chopped nuts for the topping.

One thing you will definitely love about these Carrot Cake Bars is the brown sugar cream cheese frosting. And if you've tried my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting you know I love cream cheese frosting.

But if you're wanna shake things up try this luscious Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting as pictured. It tastes amazing with this carrot cake recipe!

A 9 x 13" cake pan filled with a shredded cake mixture with unsweetened applesauce, crushed pineapple, and topped with a creamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts around the outside edge of the cake next to a bunch of carrots. A few pieces of cake have been removed to show the inside of the cake.

carrot cake bars ingredients

  • gluten free all-purpose flour-- we use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour. I purchase it in bulk to save money here. This blend contains xanthan gum.
  • xanthan gum-- if your all-purpose flour blend contains this or guar gum skip this ingredient
  • granulated sugar
  • baking powder-- use fresh, this looses it's potency after 6 months
  • baking soda-- again this ingredient looses it's power after 6 months. Consider labeling the date you open a new container. Nothing is worse then baking a cookie or a cake and it doesn't come together because ingredients were old.
  • ground cinnamon-- double check all your spice brands are gluten and dairy free
  • ground nutmeg
  • ground cloves
  • ground allspice
  • salt
  • unsweetened applesauce
  • canned crushed pineapple
  • oil
  • eggs-- or use your go-to egg replacement
  • vanilla extract
  • peeled fresh shredded carrots
  • chopped walnuts or pecans-- nuts are optional. Extra nuts can also be added to the top of this frosted cake
  • golden raisins-- another optional ingredient that can be omitted. Or the recipe card amount can be doubled for those who love the taste of golden raisins

brown sugar cream cheese frosting ingredients

  • dairy free cream cheese-- we prefer the plain Kite Hill Cream Cheese brand
  • dairy free butter-- we bake with Earth Balance Buttery Sticks in the red box, which are also vegan and soy free
  • brown sugar-- fresh and packed, light or dark
  • vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar
  • molasses-- this adds to the intensity of the brown sugar flavor, but can be skipped if needed
A 9 x 13" baking pan filled with a shredded cake mixture with unsweetened applesauce, crushed pineapple, and topped with a creamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts around the outside edge of the cake next to a bunch of carrots.

carrot cake bar recipe notes

  • first you will use one very large bowl to mix these ingredients together. I use a stand mixing bowl to hold all the ingredients, then mix by hand
  • this recipe is perfect for a 9 x 13 inch baking pan
  • and after you have removed this cake from the oven allow it to completely cool before frosting and topping with chopped nuts
  • there is no doubt this cake and frosting tastes the best when baked and frosted 1-2 days before enjoying
  • keep in mind you can enjoy this Carrot Cake Bar recipe as a 3-tiered cake too. Use the same cake ingredients to fill 3, 9" cake pans. Adjust the bake time. And ice with this brown sugar cream cheese frosting.
  • this recipe was adapted from a traditional carrot cake recipe by Rachel at The Stay At Home Chef blog here. Her recipes always look amazing including this carrot cake recipe. You'll notice there are a few changes including more crushed pineapple and the successful substitution of gluten and dairy free ingredients. We increased the crushed pineapple amount because Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour tends to absorb liquids and can leave baked goods dry.
A moist looking carrot cake in a 9 x 13" baking pan with no frosting on it yet.
A moist cake being frosted with a small angled spatula pushing a brown sugar cream cheese frosting around cake.
A cake that's now frosted and you see a hand dropping chopped walnuts around the outside edge of it.

can this be baked and frosted ahead of time

Definitely YES-- this recipe even tastes better when baked, frosted, and refrigerated 1-2 days before serving.

can I use a traditional dairy free cream cheese frosting

Yes-- follow the gluten and dairy free cream cheese recipe we use here. Double this recipe to frost the top of this cake. This recipe is also best when made a day or two before needed.

do I have to use nuts in these bars

No, if nuts aren't a favorite of yours or is an allergen concern, omit it from the recipe.

can I leave out the golden raisins

Yes, you definitely can omit the raisins from this recipe. This cake will still taste wonderful without them.

A 9 x 13" baking pan filled with a shredded cake mixture with unsweetened applesauce, crushed pineapple, and topped with a creamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts around the outside edge of the cake next to a bunch of carrots.

more springtime recipes you'll love

  • banana pudding-- one of our favorite spring and summer desserts is this refreshing layered pudding
  • lemon poppy seed bread-- enjoy these moist bakery style bread slices with a lemon poppy seed flair for breakfast, dessert, or snack
  • grilled shish kabobs-- you'll fall in love with the marinade that makes these tender meat and veggies taste mouthwatering
  • veggie pasta salad-- enjoy fresh cut up veggies, tender gluten free pasta noodles, and a yummy dressing combined for a wonderful pasta salad
  • creamy mashed potatoes-- you've got to check out the secret ingredient in these mashed potatoes that make them so good. We've been using this trick for years and everyone loves this recipe.
  • chocolate cream pie-- this pie is rich, smooth, and so decadent. No one will guess it's gluten and dairy free.
  • softest chocolate chip cookies-- fresh out the oven, you won't believe these cookies are gluten and dairy free. They're a reader favorite.
A 9 x 13" baking pan filled with a shredded cake mixture with unsweetened applesauce, crushed pineapple, and topped with a creamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts around the outside edge of the cake next to a bunch of carrots. And a slice of cake on a white cake plate next to a fork.

lastly

These moist Carrot Cake Bars have the great spiced flavor of a traditional 3-tiered layer cake without the hassle. This recipe is so easy to bake and frost.

And this cake can be frosted with a traditional dairy free cream cheese frosting or give this decadent Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting a try.

If you are looking for more gluten and dairy free Easter-themed recipes and tips, consider these DIY Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs like you find in the grocery store.

Also try these Easter Basket Treat Ideas if you're looking for safe, allergen friendly prepacked goodies to place in your families Easter baskets.

Be sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Like and comment often to keep receiving our posts-- we don't want you to miss the best of eating gluten and dairy free.

Eat well and feel well,

Jill

A 9 x 13" baking pan filled with a shredded cake mixture with unsweetened applesauce, crushed pineapple, and topped with a creamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts around the outside edge of the cake next to a bunch of carrots.

Carrot Cake Bars

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Course: Dessert
Servings: 15 slices of cake

Ingredients

Carrot Cake Bars

  • 3 c gluten free all-purpose flour suggestion in post
  • ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum omit if your gluten free flour blend contains this or guar gum.
  • 2 c granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 c unsweetened applesauce
  • c canned crushed pineapple, lightly drained
  • ½ c vegetable oil
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature or use an egg replacement
  • teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 c peeled fresh shredded carrots
  • 2+ c chopped walnuts or pecans, optional more nuts for decorating the top of the cake
  • 1 c golden raisins, optional

Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz dairy free cream cheese, room temperature suggestion in post
  • 4 tablespoon dairy free butter, room temperature
  • ¾ c brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 c powdered sugar, add more if needed
  • 1 teaspoon molasses, optional

Instructions

Carrot Cake Bars

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13" x 9" baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
  • In a very large bowl, combine the gluten free flour, xanthan gum if needed, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt.
  • Then add in the applesauce, pineapple, oil, eggs or replacement, and vanilla extract.
  • Using a hand mixer or large spoon, beat 1-2 minutes or until combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  • Next add in the shredded carrots, nuts and raisins if using, by hand.
  • Pour the cake batter into the baking sheet. Transfer to the oven for 60 minutes.
  • Check the cake with a cake tester inserted into the middle of the cake. If the cake tester comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven.
  • When the cake tester comes out clean remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting.

Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Place the cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, beat for 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and bottom of the bowl often.
  • When the mixture is light and fluffy, add in the vanilla extract and 1 cup of powdered sugar.
  • Next slowly add in the remaining powdered sugar and molasses into the mixture. Beat until smooth. Add in more powdered sugar if you'd prefer the frosting to be thicker.
  • Cover the frosting and refrigerate at least 1 hour or 1-2 days before icing the cake.
  • Using an angled spatula transfer the icing to the cake pan. Spread evenly over the cake and then top with chopped nuts.
  • Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This cake tastes the best when it's been refrigerated for one to two days.
  • Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.

Nutritional Disclaimer

These Nutritional Facts are ESTIMATED. Your actual nutritional info with this recipe may vary depending on the brands you choose. “Eating Gluten and Dairy Free” is not a registered dietician or nutritionist. The provided nutritional info above is based on a generic calculator, if you want more accurate info, use your nutritional calculator of choice where you can choose brands and get more info that way.

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Recipe Rating




Rebecca

Friday 2nd of December 2022

I know you wrote if you don’t like it something leave it out and you mentioned raisins and nuts. If I leave out the pineapple would it need anything to replace moistness?

Victoria S

Monday 5th of December 2022

I haven't made it without that, but I would think that the moisture from that helps keep the bars moist, so I would try to add a little extra in to be sure. Not having altered this recipe that way, I can't say one way or the other for sure.

Cynthia

Wednesday 19th of May 2021

For the 5 eggs. It says or use an egg replacer. Have you tested any specificly? I am wondering if the plant based egg brand "just egg" has been tested.

Jill

Monday 24th of May 2021

Hi Cynthia- Thanks for reaching out with your question. We've used applesauce and a couple of readers have told me they used an egg replacement for this recipe and it worked. I can't say Just Egg was used. If you do try "Just Egg" or another replacement, please let me know how it goes and I will update the post. Thank you, Jill