Description
Indulge in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Packed with carrots, nuts, and a hint of pineapple, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Optional
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup shredded coconut
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in carrots, pineapple, nuts, and coconut if using.
- Bake: Spread the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.
- Frost and Serve: Spread frosting over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- You can add raisins or swap nuts for seeds if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
