Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Deliciously moist carrot cake bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- Spatula
- toothpick
- wire rack
Ingredients
Carrot Cake Bars Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour Provides structure to the bars.
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder Helps the bars rise.
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda Also helps the bars rise.
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Adds warmth and flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg Enhances the spice profile.
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil Keeps the bars moist.
- 1 cup Granulated sugar Sweetens the bars.
- 2 large Eggs Provides moisture and structure.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract Adds flavor.
- 2 cups Grated carrots Main ingredient for flavor and moisture.
- 0.5 cup Crushed pineapple, drained Adds moisture and sweetness.
- 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts (optional) Adds crunch and flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened Base for the frosting.
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened Adds creaminess to the frosting.
- 4 cups Powdered sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Milk (if needed for consistency) Adjusts frosting consistency.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix together vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using) into the wet mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk if needed for desired consistency.
- Once the bars are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting and cut into squares to serve.
Notes
These bars are perfect for sharing and can be made ahead of time. They taste even better the next day!