Description
Delicious and moist carrot cake bars topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 24 bars.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of grated orange zest to the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg