Description
Delight in these Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—a perfect blend of moist, spiced carrot cake and creamy frosting. Packed with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and optional walnuts, these bars are a delectable treat for any event. The rich cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish to this classic dessert, making it an irresistible choice for both casual and special occasions.
Ingredients
Carrot Cake Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).
- Bake the Bars: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread cream cheese frosting over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).
- Bake the Bars: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread cream cheese frosting over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Ensure the bars are completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
For added texture and flavor, garnish with extra chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
