Description
Indulge in these delicious Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting that are soft, moist, and packed with flavor. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the bars:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ 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 flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in grated carrots and pineapple.
- Combine and bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Fold in nuts if using. Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool before frosting.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until light and fluffy. Spread frosting over the bars and chill slightly before slicing.
Notes
- These bars are soft, moist, and loaded with flavor.
- You can substitute applesauce for part of the oil for a lighter version.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
