Description
Indulge in these decadent carrot cake bars with luscious cream cheese frosting for a delightful treat that’s perfect 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.
- Prepare 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 until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Fold in grated carrots and pineapple, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in nuts if using.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let bars cool completely before frosting.
- Make frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.
- Frost bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Chill for easier slicing if desired.
Notes
- These bars keep well refrigerated and taste even better the next day.
- You can add raisins or coconut for extra texture and flavor.
