Carrot Cake Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
All-purpose flour: 2 cups, for the base.
02 -
Baking powder: 1 ½ tsp, for leavening.
03 -
Baking soda: 1 tsp, for rising.
04 -
Salt: ½ tsp, to balance flavors.
05 -
Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, for warm spice.
06 -
Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp, for added warmth.
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Ground ginger: ½ tsp, for spice.
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Unsalted butter: ½ cup, softened, for moisture.
09 -
Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness.
10 -
Brown sugar: ½ cup, for a deeper sweetness.
11 -
Large eggs: 3, for structure.
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Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor.
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Grated carrots: 2 cups, for flavor and texture.
14 -
Crushed pineapple: ½ cup, drained, for moisture.
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Chopped walnuts (optional): ½ cup, for crunch.
16 -
Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, for creaminess.
17 -
Unsalted butter: ¼ cup, softened, for richness.
18 -
Powdered sugar: 2 cups, for sweetness.
19 -
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor.
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 -
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
03 -
In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
04 -
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract.
05 -
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
06 -
Gently fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts, if using.
07 -
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely.
08 -
For the frosting, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
09 -
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
10 -
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake bars.
11 -
Cut into squares and enjoy these decadent carrot cake bars with rich cream cheese frosting!.
# Notes:
01 -
These carrot cake bars are moist, spiced, and filled with grated carrots and pineapple, topped with a creamy frosting.
02 -
The addition of crushed pineapple adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the bars.
03 -
Adding walnuts provides a delightful crunch, but they can be omitted for a nut-free version.