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No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

January 31, 2024 by Lindsay 56 Comments

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These No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a healthy twist on carrot cake- no oven required! Guaranteed to please a crowd at your next party or gathering.

carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting

*originally published 4/2017. Updated 1/2024*

Hi Friends!

As far as dessert goes, carrot cake can be a bit of a polarizing topic, am I right? First of all, are you willing to eat a dessert with vegetables in it? Do you like nuts? How do you feel about raisins? What about coconut?

There’s a lot to unpack there and everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but it’s MY opinion that you should give these no bake carrot cake cream cheese bars a try!

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s be clear that these bars are not a replacement for actual carrot cake. If that’s what you want, try this incredibly moist carrot cake or this carrot cake recipe. But if you’re looking for an alternative, these bars may be the answer.

They’re made with a simple crust of nuts, dates, carrots and spices and then topped with a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for an easy frosting. If you’re feeling wild, you can add some shredded coconut on top!

I’m not a fan so I opted for a sprinkle of cinnamon and some shredded carrots. You could also put some chopped nuts on top or mix them into the frosting.

healthy no bake carrot cake bars

Healthy No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars

Here’s exactly what you need to make these bars:

  • Nuts– I use a mix of pecans and walnuts. You could also try adding almonds to the mix.
  • Dates– Soft medjool dates with the pits removed.
  • Shredded carrots – You’ll shred them first and then add them to the food processor so they get chopped up even smaller
  • Spices- A simple mix of cinnamon and ginger
  • Greek yogurt- plain greek yogurt makes up the majority of the frosting
  • Cream cheese – we add some cream cheese for flavor and to help it thicken
  • Maple syrup – to sweeten the frosting
  • Vanilla extract

How To Make Easy No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars

To make these bars, just follow these simple steps:

  • Add nuts and dates to the food processor and process until well chopped. (Cuisinart food processors are my favorite – aff link)
  • Add carrots and spices and pulse again.
  • Press the mixture into a 9×5 loaf pan (I like this one from Wilton– aff link)
  • To make the frosting, mix softened cream cheese with yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla.
  • Spread on top of the bars and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Easy Carrot Recipes

Want more easy carrot recipes and don’t mind turning on the oven? Try one of these:

  • Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins
  • Carrot Applesauce Muffins
  • Banana Carrot Muffins
  • Carrot Oat Bars
  • Frosted Carrot Cookies

No Oven Carrot Cake Recipe

This recipe is adapted from Kylie @ Yeah Imma Eat That who guest-posted and shared this recipe on my blog years ago!

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No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

no bake carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting
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These No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a fun twist on carrot cake, no oven required! Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

  • Author: Lindsay L
  • Yield: 8 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert

Ingredients

Scale

Bottom Layer

  • ½ cup walnuts
  • ½ cup pecans (or almonds)
  • 1 cup dates, pitted (~8 dates)
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 cup carrots, grated
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

Frosting

  • ½ cup 2% or full fat Greek yogurt, plain
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

  • shredded coconut
  • chopped walnuts or pecans
  • cinnamon and shredded carrots

Instructions

  1. Add nuts and dates to a food processor and process until well chopped.
  2. Add shredded carrots and spices and process until a ball of dough forms.***
  3. Press dough into a parchment paper lined 9×5 loaf pan.
  4. In a bowl, use an electric mixer to combine Greek yogurt, cream cheese, maple syrup and vanilla. Mix on high speed until smooth.
  5. Spread frosting over pressed-out dough. Sprinkle with toppings if desired.
  6. Allow bars to set in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing into 8 bars.
  7. These are best eaten off a plate with a fork vs trying to hold them in your hands because the crust isn’t super firm.

Notes

***You may want to put the shredded carrots in a paper towel and give them a quick squeeze first to remove excess moisture. If your dough doesn’t form a ball, add 1 Tbsp of water.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram

Are you drooling yet?


No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars FAQs

What are some alternative nuts that can be used as the base layer of No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars?

I really like the combination of pecans and walnuts. You could also try replacing half the nuts with almonds. Using all almonds will make a bit of a firmer crust. Using all walnuts will make the crust even softer. I would not recommend using peanuts as it will change the flavor of the recipe.

Will No Bake Cheesecake melt?

These bars need to be stored in the fridge. The cream cheese helps thicken the frosting as it sets but if you take them out and let them sit at room temperature the frosting will begin to get a little runny.

Can I substitute dates with another dried fruit in this recipe?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Dates really are the best option for the crust of these bars.

no bake carrot cake cream cheese bars

How long do the No Bake Carrot Cake bars need to set in the fridge before serving?

Let the bars set in the fridge for at least an hour. The cream cheese in the frosting needs time to thicken again after being softened to keep the frosting from sliding off the bars.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup in the frosting?

You could try substituting honey but it might alter the flavor a little bit.

What additional toppings can I add to these bars for variety?

The original recipe called for shredded coconut. I prefer mine with an extra sprinkle of shredded carrots plus some cinnamon. If you like nuts, try mixing some chopped walnuts into the frosting before spreading or sprinkling some on top.

What are the best ways to store these No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars?

These bars need to be stored in the fridge. I like to cut them and place them in a flat single layer in a glass storage container with a lid and keep them in the fridge until I’m ready to eat.

Are there any dairy-free alternatives for the cream cheese in this recipe? How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

You could try using a dairy-free yogurt and cream cheese to make this frosting. Try this Kite Hill dairy-free cream cheese. Here are some Vegan Greek yogurt options.

Could these be considered healthy no-bake carrot cake breakfast bars?

I would absolutely serve these for breakfast! You can always decrease the maple syrup in the frosting a little bit!


These No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a healthy twist on carrot cake- no oven required! Guaranteed to please a crowd at your next party or gathering.

Need more no-bake carrot cake recipes?

Try one of these:

  • Creamy No-Bake Carrot Cake
  • Raw Carrot Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Healthy No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars
  • No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Filed Under: Dessert Tagged With: Carrot, Cream Cheese, Dates, Pecan, Walnut, Yogurt

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brittany @ Barr & Table says

    April 17, 2014 at 12:48 AM

    Oh my word these look so delicious! I need to make these.

    Reply
  2. Regan @ The Healthy Aperture Blog says

    April 17, 2014 at 4:50 AM

    Oh, I love these! And I love that they’re no bake.

    And I find it so funny that they have coconut — which I love — since I know “some” bloggers (*ahem, cough, cough, not naming any names*) don’t like it 🙂 I guess that’s even more reason to love guest posts!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 21, 2014 at 2:20 PM

      haha you know me well. mine would indeed be sans coconut 🙂 but still delicious!

      Reply
  3. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    April 17, 2014 at 4:59 AM

    no bake deliciousness. Thanks for this!

    Reply
  4. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says

    April 17, 2014 at 5:09 AM

    These look absolutely wonderful!!! CAn’t wait to give them a try!

    Reply
  5. Kierston says

    April 17, 2014 at 6:36 AM

    I love carrot cake 🙂

    Reply
  6. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says

    April 17, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    I’m not a huge coconut fan but it’s growing on me. Carrot cake on the other hand will always be a love!

    Reply
  7. Brittany L says

    April 17, 2014 at 7:05 AM

    LOVE carrot cake. Pinned!! 😀

    Reply
  8. Jojo @ RunFastEatLots says

    April 17, 2014 at 7:10 AM

    Yay to coconut!

    Reply
  9. Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says

    April 17, 2014 at 7:25 AM

    Oh my goodness – these look so good!

    Reply
  10. Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says

    April 17, 2014 at 7:35 AM

    I just splurged on a Vitamix and this recipe is perfect to make in it!! Yum! Carrot cake is by far my favourite.

    Reply
    • Kylie @ immaeatthat says

      April 17, 2014 at 10:28 AM

      Best splurge EVER!!!!!!

      Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 21, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      woohoo! enjoy!

      Reply
  11. Kimberly @ Keeping up With Kimberly says

    April 17, 2014 at 8:03 AM

    These look amazing! I’m going to try them out this weekend.

    Reply
  12. Jackie says

    April 17, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    Omg yum!!!

    Reply
  13. Kylie @ immaeatthat says

    April 17, 2014 at 9:09 AM

    Thanks for letting me share a recipe!:) The post looks great!

    Reply
  14. Jody - Fit at 56 says

    April 17, 2014 at 9:28 AM

    Looks amazing!!! Wish I could have one now!

    Reply
  15. Cathy says

    April 17, 2014 at 9:35 AM

    These sounds delicious! I might just have to make them for an Easter pot luck we are going to on Saturday!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 21, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      hope they were a hit!

      Reply
  16. RavieNomNoms says

    April 17, 2014 at 9:40 AM

    Printing these out right now!! I cannot wait to make these for Easter!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 21, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      hope they turned out well!

      Reply
  17. Alexis @ Hummusapien says

    April 17, 2014 at 9:48 AM

    I am most definitely drooling! I love that the bottom is like a larabar. can’t go wrong with coconut!!

    Reply
  18. Alysia @ Slim Sanity says

    April 17, 2014 at 9:59 AM

    TO DIE. WANT WANT WANT.

    Carrot cake is my faaaaaaavorite!

    Reply
  19. Jenni @ Fitzala says

    April 17, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    This looks amazing! I love carrot cake SO MUCH. Also decreasing wheat in my diet so this recipe looks perfect.

    Thanks Kylie for the recipe and thank you Lindsay for organizing this guest post!

    Reply
  20. The Actor's Diet says

    April 17, 2014 at 10:17 AM

    Yum. I’ll take anyone’s unwanted coconut.

    Reply
  21. Jen @ pretty little grub says

    April 17, 2014 at 10:25 AM

    These look sooo yummy!! Cannot wait to try.

    Reply
  22. Ashley @ShowmeAshley.com says

    April 17, 2014 at 10:38 AM

    YUM! This looks incredible, and it is no bake? So perfect.

    Reply
  23. Kelly Feller says

    April 17, 2014 at 12:43 PM

    Yumm!! I love carrot cake so much 🙂 My husband hates it so I may need to make this all for me!

    Reply
  24. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says

    April 17, 2014 at 1:26 PM

    i love her blog too 🙂 these bars are too tempting.

    [WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.

    Reply
  25. Jo says

    April 17, 2014 at 2:02 PM

    Can another dried fruit be substituted for dates in the “No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars”? Dried Apricots, maybe?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 21, 2014 at 2:18 PM

      haven’t tried it…but it might work!

      Reply
  26. Erika says

    April 17, 2014 at 2:14 PM

    Yay I love Kylie!!! This looks totally delicious and I can totally get on board with coconut! I was totally not into coconut as a kid (see also: mushrooms, yogurt, eggplant, mayo, cooked fruit, etc. etc.) but I love it now! It looks like it would add great texture to these!

    Reply
  27. Elle says

    April 17, 2014 at 5:19 PM

    YAY for coconut. These look wonderful!

    Reply
  28. Matt @ Runner Savvy says

    April 17, 2014 at 8:03 PM

    Drool!

    Reply
  29. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    April 17, 2014 at 8:59 PM

    Carrot cake is my absolute favorite. These look amazing.

    Reply
  30. Alyssa @ For Food and Health says

    April 17, 2014 at 9:27 PM

    I’m so making these! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  31. Leeman Taylor says

    April 17, 2014 at 10:21 PM

    I love carrot cake and these easy to make bars look absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
  32. Susan says

    April 18, 2014 at 10:00 AM

    would love to make this, love carrot cake and love cheesecake and love no bake! 🙂 any suggestions on how to substitute for the greek yogurt? I can’t stand the stuff…would I just use more cream cheese?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 21, 2014 at 2:13 PM

      i think that would work just fine.

      Reply
  33. Kaysha Comfort says

    April 18, 2014 at 11:43 AM

    Sign me up! I’m totally making these and I’m probably not going to share them with anyone. This recipe sounds super delish and I love that it is on the healthier side of things…lets be honest I would eat them either way.

    Thank you for sharing…now excuse let me excuse myself while I go eat an entire pan of these!

    That Comfort Girl

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 21, 2014 at 2:12 PM

      haha enjoy!

      Reply
  34. Donna says

    April 18, 2014 at 3:10 PM

    Any idea on the nutritional values?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 21, 2014 at 2:11 PM

      you can always put the recipe into a free recipe calculator like my fitness pal to find out!

      Reply
  35. Ellen says

    April 18, 2014 at 10:05 PM

    I don’t have a food processor. Any suggestions on what to use instead?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      April 21, 2014 at 2:11 PM

      a high-powered blender might work.

      Reply
  36. Marti says

    April 19, 2014 at 2:33 PM

    These look delicious! I’d love for you to share them at our party that’s LIVE right now! http://sewlicioushomedecor.com/show-licious-craft-recipe-party.

    Have a great weekend! Marti

    Reply
  37. Joanne T Ferguson says

    April 21, 2014 at 7:04 AM

    G’day! These look very YUM!
    Viewed as part of the #SITSSharefest April 19 Party!
    Cheers! Joanne

    Reply
  38. Kim says

    April 27, 2014 at 10:42 PM

    I made these tonight. Everyone gobbled them up. They were delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  39. Sarah Grace says

    May 22, 2014 at 7:08 PM

    Ahh Lindsay these look amazing! Ive made raw carrot cake balls with like the same ingredients as your crust, so I can only imagine how good these bars are! 🙂

    xoxo Sarah Grace, Fresh Fit N Healthy.

    Reply
  40. Fancy Nancy says

    March 24, 2015 at 10:02 AM

    I’m two thumbs up for anything coconut!!! These look amazing!!

    Reply
  41. Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite says

    March 24, 2015 at 11:56 AM

    Looks delicious! Carrot cake is always a win at my house. Pinned!

    Reply
  42. Heather Mason @Nutty Nutrition says

    March 24, 2015 at 1:38 PM

    Awesome that they are no bake! I love how the top looks like a snowball!

    Reply
  43. francesca says

    March 24, 2015 at 3:36 PM

    All my favorite things wrapped up into one bar… Plus easy recipe- boom!

    Reply
  44. katie says

    March 24, 2015 at 8:10 PM

    I’m not a coconut lover but these do look good. YUM

    Reply
  45. Lauren @ Eating with a Purpose says

    March 24, 2015 at 9:12 PM

    This is a way healthier version of what I’m posting later this week 🙂 I love carrot cake, and am a huge coconut fan. Can’t wait to try this out!

    Reply
  46. Farida says

    February 16, 2016 at 6:47 AM

    Lovely Lindsay! I have most of the ingredients, and I would love an easy carrot cake recipe and no bake, will defiantly try! Pinned!

    Reply

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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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