Carrot Cake Squares

Carrot Cake Squares offer a delightful twist on the classic round layer cake, combining the same rich flavors in a convenient, shareable form. They’re much easier to make since all you need is one baking pan, and you don’t have to be a frosting expert.

Depending on your region, these may be called Carrot Cake Bars, while the full version is often referred to as Carrot Slab Cake. All I know is, if you’re feeding a crowd this is the cake you need. This is the same great recipe of mine since 2016, with a couple of recent updates to pictures and text.

Easter Carrot Cake

With it being Easter season and definitely carrot season, you can’t miss out on one of the easiest carrot cake recipes. This Easter dessert deserves a place on your table, loaded with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and the classic nutty bite from toasted walnuts.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• All-purpose flour 
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Grated nutmeg
• Salt
• Oil (vegetable oil or canola oil)
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Grated carrots
• Walnuts

For the frosting:

• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered/confectioners sugar
• Vanilla extract

Nut-Free Carrot Cake

Can’t eat nuts or just not a fan? No problem, leave them out. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try toasted pecans

Light or Dark Brown Sugar in Carrot Cake

You may notice some carrot cakes are darker in color than others. This is due to the use of light or dark brown sugar. I prefer light brown, which gives this cake its lighter color, allowing you to visibly see the grated carrots (see picture below).

Tips for the Best Carrot Cake

1. Use Freshly Grated Carrots

Pre-shredded store-bought carrots can be dry. Grate fresh carrots on a large box grater for the best texture and flavor.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing can make the cake dense. Stir just until the dry ingredients are combined well with the wet ingredients. After using a hand or stand mixer, I like to switch to using a spatula to gently fold carrots and walnuts into the mixture.

3. Add Some Texture

Chopped nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut add a delicious crunch and extra flavor.

4. Spice it Right

A good balance of cinnamon and nutmeg give warmth and depth to your carrot cake.

5. Keep it Moist

Adding plain yogurt adds a little tang as well as  moisture, keeping the cake soft and tender without making it greasy and the need for a lot of vegetable oil.

6. Best Pan for Carrot Cake Squares

I like a classic glass (ovenproof) baking pan measuring 9 x 12 inches (23 x 33 cm). You can use any material, but just know that what it’s made from affects the baking time. Metal will bake faster than glass or ceramic.
You can also use two, 9-inch (23 cm) round cake tins. They will bake faster so cut the baking time short by about 10 minutes.

7. Have a Well Prepared Baking Dish

Generously grease the pan with butter. This makes for easier removal.

8. Bake Low and Slow

A moderate oven temperature (350°F/180°C) ensures even baking without drying out the cake.

9. Let it Cool Completely

Warm cake can cause frosting to melt—let it cool fully on a wire rack before adding.

10. Don’t overbake. 

45 minutes is the perfect time in my oven (using a glass pan). Your baking time may vary depending on your oven and the type of pan used (about 35-40 minutes). It’s ready when the top is not sticky, slightly firm, and when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

The Easiest Cream Cheese Frosting

When you make carrot cake, it’s almost mandatory to top it with cream cheese frosting. In typical fashion, I like to get fancy by piping the frosting and adding cute little sugar carrots for decoration. You don’t have to do either of these things. Simply spread the frosting on top of the cake as you like.

Make Ahead Carrot Cake

For convenience, you can make the cake a day or so ahead. Make the cake, cool it, and wrap it well. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make the frosting and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use. Allow it to come to room temperature before using.

Slicing Carrot Cake Squares

This cake serves 12. That is individual squares that are 3 x 3-Inch (7.5 x 7.5 cm). You can slice the cake to serve your purpose and make it feed more people by cutting smaller squares.

Decorative Mini Carrots

You can purchase these from either Amazon or Etsy.

Storing Carrot Cake

Carrot cake stays moist longer than most cakes. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

More Easter Dessert Ideas

Now that we’ve covered some delicious carrot cake options, why not keep the Easter dessert vibe going?

• Spring Orange Custard – An easy orange infused custard topped with Oreo cookie crumbs and an edible flower. Like a Spring garden.
• Cadbury Creme Egg Chocolate Lava Cakes – Classic lava cakes with a molten center of a Cadbury Creme Egg.
• Hot Cross Buns – A traditional Easter treat. Soft buns with warm spices, serve topped with butter.

If you’ve made these Carrot Cake Squares or any other recipe, leave a star rating in the recipe card. You can also leave a comment or question below.