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Carrot Cake Bars with Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

1 from 1 vote
Moist, flavorful carrot cake bars topped with the most luscious cream cheese frosting. Ridiculously easy to make, perfect for when you need a little sweetness in your life without a fuss.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Baking, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Carrot Cake Bars
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrots freshly grated is best
  • 0.5 cup crushed pineapple drained
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts optional
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • medium bowl
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Step 6: Gently fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts (if using).
  7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  9. Step 9: To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
  10. Step 10: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined and creamy.
  11. Step 11: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake bars. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Store frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unfrosted bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.