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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with freshly grated carrots and pineapple for a delightful twist on traditional carrot cake. Topped with a rich, creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for spring celebrations, Easter, or any occasion that calls for a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Carrot Cake Bars

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
  • 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients will provide structure and spice to the bars.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, ensuring a uniform base for the batter.
  4. Add Carrots, Pineapple, and Nuts: Stir in the finely grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts or pecans if using. These ingredients add moisture, natural sweetness, and texture to the bars.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb in the baked bars.
  6. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
  7. Cool Completely: Allow the carrot cake bars to cool in the pan completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean, easy slicing.
  8. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  9. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars. Slice into squares and serve as a delicious, spiced dessert or snack.

Notes

  • You can store the carrot cake bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
  • For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in raisins or shredded coconut into the batter.
  • To make a larger batch, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan adjusting baking time as needed.

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