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Stack of Sheet Pan Carrot Cake Bars on a wooden table.
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5 from 2 votes

Sheet Pan Carrot Cake Bars

These Sheet Pan Carrot Cake Bars are moist dessert bars made with warm spices, walnuts, grated carrots, and pineapple, then topped with a creamy maple frosting. They give you all the cozy flavors of a classic carrot cake in easy-to-serve bars!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Sheet Pan Carrot Cake Bars
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 664kcal
Author: Amanda Rettke--iambaker.net

Ingredients

Carrot Cake

  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 g) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ¾ cups (352 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 cup (117 g) walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 ¼ cups (248 g) finely grated carrots, about 5 medium carrots
  • ½ cup (98 g) crushed pineapple, drained

Maple Frosting

  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • cup (105 g) pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon maple extract
  • 3-4 cups (375-500 g) confectioners' sugar
  • walnuts, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15-inch sheet pan (jelly roll pan) with parchment paper.
  • To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light yellow and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
  • To a medium mixing bowl, add all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisk to combine.
  • With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
  • Remove the bowl from the stand mixer. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, grated carrots, and drained pineapple. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly. Bake for 24-28 minutes. Begin checking at the 22-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), the cake is ready.
  • Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.

Maple Frosting

  • To a large bowl, add the butter, maple syrup, and maple extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue adding sugar until the frosting reaches a thick and creamy consistency. Adjust the amount of sugar based on your desired sweetness and creaminess level.
  • Once the cake is completely cool, spread a thick, even layer of the maple frosting over the top. Smooth with a spatula. Or, if preferred, pipe decorative swirls for a special touch.
  • Sprinkle with chopped walnuts for garnish (optional). Cut and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar with frosting | Calories: 664kcal