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Carrot Cake Bars with Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

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.