Description
Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful dessert with a moist texture, warm spices, and rich frosting. They are perfect for celebrations or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in grated carrots and crushed pineapple. Add nuts and raisins if using.
- Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost cooled bars and garnish with chopped toasted pecans.
- Slice into bars and serve or store as instructed.
Notes
- These bars can be served warm or chilled.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg