Description
Delight in these moist, flavorful Carrot Cake Bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these bars combine grated carrots and crushed pineapple for a tender, sweet texture. An easy-to-make dessert that’s ideal for spring gatherings or anytime you crave a classic carrot cake in bar form.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Carrots and Pineapple: Stir in the finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple to the wet mixture, incorporating them evenly throughout.
- Combine Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then continue mixing until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. For cleaner slices, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for a short time before cutting into 12 squares and serving.
Notes
- These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for freshness.
- For extra flavor and texture, add 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut or raisins to the batter.
- Chill the frosted bars before slicing to achieve cleaner, neater cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
