Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of carrot cake without the fuss of layering. With their rich, spiced flavor and creamy frosting, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and share the sweetness with family and friends!

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) finely shredded carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup (75 g) raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Carrot Cake Bars:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using).
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Incorporate the Carrots and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the shredded carrots, and if desired, the chopped nuts and raisins.
5. Bake the Bars:
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

6. Prepare the Frosting:
   In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
7. Frost the Bars:
   Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting or create decorative swirls.

Serve:

8. Cut the bars into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

• For a healthier twist, replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
• Add a touch of orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist.
• These bars freeze well! Freeze unfrosted bars and add the frosting after thawing.