Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting 🥕🍰

 

These carrot cake bars are moist, flavorful, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, making them a perfect treat for any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups grated carrots

½ cup crushed pineapple, drained

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Cream Butter and Sugars:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Fold in Carrots and Pineapple:

Gently fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).

Bake the Bars:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Mix the Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Add Sugar and Vanilla:

Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Frost the Bars:

Once the carrot cake bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares to serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes 

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Enjoy these delicious carrot cake bars with their tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting! 🎂