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Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Bliss

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a sweet, comforting treat perfect for gatherings and snacking.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder Ensure it’s fresh
  • 1 te teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon Can try pumpkin spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg Freshly grated is best
  • 1 teaspoon Ground ginger Can substitute with ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened) Coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar Feel free to reduce
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar
  • 3 Eggs Flax eggs as vegan substitute
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract Opt for pure for best taste
  • 2 cups Grated carrots Use fresh for optimal flavor
  • 1 cup Crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1/2 cup Chopped walnuts (optional) Pecans or sunflower seeds work as alternatives
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream cheese (softened) Mascarpone works well as alternative
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened) Vegan butter for dairy-free
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Use pure for best results

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients, followed by the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts (if using).
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and stir in vanilla extract.
  7. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, then cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing and better texture. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep bars moist.

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