Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: The Ultimate Sweet Treat

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional for consistency)

How to Make Decadent Carrot Cake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake Bars

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add Grated Carrots and Pineapple: Fold in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple until evenly combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Pour into Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.

Step 2: Bake the Bars

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

9. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
10. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Frost and Serve

11. Frost the Bars: Once the carrot cake bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
12. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious carrot cake bars!