Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat! They are moist, sweet, and full of flavors. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy touch that makes these bars perfect for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

Carrot cake is always a hit, and these bars are easy to make! They are great for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home. Plus, the addition of pineapple and nuts gives them a fun twist!

How to Make Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the bars are baking, 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. Add milk as needed for desired consistency.
Allow the carrot cake bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the bars. Cut into squares and serve.

How to Serve Decadent Carrot Cake Bars

These bars are best served at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great dessert after dinner!

How to Store Decadent Carrot Cake Bars

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.

Tips to Make Decadent Carrot Cake Bars

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and fluffy.
You can add raisins or shredded coconut for extra flavor!

Variation (If Any)

You can swap out the nuts for raisins or add shredded coconut for a tropical twist. For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.