These Sunny Island Carrot Cake Bars have become a favorite in our kitchen. Here on the homestead, we like to keep things simple, homemade, and full of flavor.
They’re the perfect mix of homestyle comfort and tropical flair. A recipe that feels a little special without adding any fuss.
If you’ve ever made traditional carrot cake, you know it’s usually a layered dessert, sometimes with a long list of steps.
But these bars skip all that. They bake in one pan, slice up easily, and are just the right size for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday dessert tables.
We tried this recipe on our own crew first, and now it’s one we reach for again and again.
🥕 Simple, Real Ingredients from Your Pantry
Most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry or fridge. Especially if you’re like us and have a garden full of carrots each season. The crushed pineapple and chopped nuts give it that “island” feel, while the cream cheese frosting brings it all together in a rich, satisfying way.
Sunny Island Carrot Cake Bars Delight Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Bars
- 1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Baking Soda
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- 2 ½ Cups Grated Carrots
- 8 Ounces Crushed Pineapple 1 can (8 oz.) well drained
- 1 ½ Cups Brown Sugar
- 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 3 Eggs lightly beaten
- ½ Cup Walnuts chopped or macadamia nuts
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese softened
- ¼ Cup Butter softened
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar sifted
- ½ Cup Walnuts chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it for easy removal.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 ½ Teaspoons Baking Soda, 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon, 1 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg, ½ Teaspoon Salt
- In a separate large bowl, combine grated carrots, pineapple, brown sugar, oil, and eggs.2 ½ Cups Grated Carrots, 8 Ounces Crushed Pineapple, 1 ½ Cups Brown Sugar, 1 Cup Vegetable Oil, 3 Eggs
- Add chopped nuts, then stir in the dry ingredients until everything is mixed evenly.½ Cup Walnuts
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly, then lift out of the pan using the parchment and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.8 Ounces Cream Cheese
- Add the butter and vanilla; mix well.¼ Cup Butter, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Slowly add the powdered sugar while beating until creamy.1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- Spread on the cooled bars and sprinkle chopped nuts over the top if desired.½ Cup Walnuts
Nutrition
Why This Recipe Works For Us
- Flexible ingredients. Swap in what you have. Like pecans for walnuts, or coconut oil for vegetable oil.
- Seasonal friendly. A great use for garden carrots or pantry staples.
- Make-ahead magic. These bars taste even better the next day.
Storing and Freezing the Bars
It’s best stored in the refrigerator. These dessert bars keep well in an airtight container for 4 days.
Freezer-friendly. Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Just thaw and frost when ready to serve.
🍍 Optional Add-Ins and Variations
Homesteading is all about making things your own, and this recipe is no exception.
- Add ½ cup shredded coconut for more island flavor.
- Toss in raisins or chopped dried pineapple for texture.
- Turn into cookies by scooping the batter into small rounds and baking at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Try a pineapple glaze instead of frosting by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of pineapple juice.
What to Serve with These Carrot Cake Bars
These bars are a sweet treat on their own, but here are some ideas to round out the table:
- A mug of spiced tea or coffee
- A fresh fruit salad with melon or citrus
- A scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream
- A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for extra flair
From our homestead to yours, this recipe is all about finding joy in simple, wholesome ingredients. And sharing something sweet with the people you love.
Whether you’re growing your own carrots or picking some up from a local farm stand, this is a wonderful way to turn them into something special.
My family loved this!