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Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 26 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a moist and flavorful twist on classic carrot cake, baked into easy-to-serve bars. Featuring warm spices, grated carrots, crushed pineapple for added moisture, and optional crunchy walnuts, these bars are topped with a smooth and creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 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

Wet Ingredients

  • 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

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to combine thoroughly, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  6. Fold in carrots, pineapple, and walnuts: Carefully fold the grated carrots, crushed pineapple (drained), and chopped walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating it.
  7. Fill and spread batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove and allow to cool completely in the pan.
  9. Make frosting: For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until creamy and well combined.
  10. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Cut into 12 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the crushed pineapple is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
  • Optional walnuts add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
  • For easier slicing, refrigerate the frosted bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
  • Bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend better and produce a more even batter.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/decadent-carrot-cake-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe-2/