Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful experience of these Decadent Carrot Cake Bars topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a delightful treat for carrot cake lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the bars:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Fold in the dry ingredients, then stir in the grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts if using.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until fluffy.
- Frost: Frost the cooled bars evenly, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
- For extra texture, add shredded coconut or raisins to the batter.
- Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
