Description
There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked carrot cake wafting through your kitchen. These carrot cake bars bring together classic flavors with a modern twist, offering a moist and rich dessert topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Easter or any spring celebration, they’re easy to prepare and guaranteed to delight.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add-Ins:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Incorporate Add-Ins:
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
- Frost the Bars:
- Spread the frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars.
- Garnish with chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
- Serve:
- Slice into squares or bars and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American