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Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These moist and flavorful carrot cake bars are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for any occasion, they’re sure to impress family and friends!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple until evenly combined.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, and continue to beat until fluffy and well combined. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
  10. Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  11. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • You can omit the walnuts for a nut-free version.
  • Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
  • These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

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