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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese

These Carrot Cake Bars deliver all the comforts of traditional carrot cake with an easy-to-make recipe, topped with rich cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil Can substitute with melted coconut oil.
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar Light brown sugar can be used for caramel flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar Adds depth from molasses.
  • 4 large Eggs Binds the mixture and contributes fluffiness.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor.
Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Whole-wheat flour can work, texture may vary.
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder Essential for rise.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda Essential for rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Adds warmth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg Adds warmth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground clove Adds warmth.
Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 medium Grated carrots Finer grating yields better results.
  • 1 cup Crushed pineapple (drained) Adds moisture and tropical flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) Optional; can substitute with seeds.
Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream cheese (softened) For the frosting.
  • 1/4 cup Butter (softened) For the frosting.
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar For the frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract For the frosting.
  • a pinch Salt For the frosting.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy release.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  4. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and any nuts you are using, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Frosting
  1. For the cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating until light and fluffy.
  3. Spread the icing over the cooled bars. Slice into portions and serve.

Notes

Tips to avoid common mistakes: Grate carrots finely, avoid overmixing the batter, and allow bars to cool before icing. Customize with shredded coconut or raisins for extra flavor.