Carrot Cake Squares with Cream Cheese Frosting

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Moist, spiced carrot cake squares layered with tangy cream cheese frosting and topped with chopped walnuts for a delightful Easter dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 45 min Serves 12 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In another bowl, beat 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 3/4 cup vegetable oil until well combined. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in 3 cups grated carrots and 1 cup chopped walnuts.
  4. Step 4: Pour batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  5. Step 5: For the frosting, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice, beating until creamy and spreadable.
  6. Step 6: Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake, cut into squares, and serve.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Carrot Cake Squares with Cream Cheese Frosting take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Carrot Cake Squares with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Carrot Cake Squares with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Carrot Cake Squares with Cream Cheese Frosting for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Carrot Cake Squares with Cream Cheese Frosting?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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