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Carrot cake has long been a beloved dessert, cherished for its unique flavor profile and moist texture. The natural sweetness of carrots, combined with warm spices, creates a comforting dessert that appeals to many palates. Carrot cake bars take this classic dessert and transform it into a convenient, easy-to-serve treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They retain the beloved flavors of traditional carrot cake while offering a more portable option that is ideal for sharing.

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Discover the ultimate sweet treat with these Heavenly Carrot Cake Bars that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the moist flavors of fresh carrots, crushed pineapple, and warm spices, all topped off with a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether for a celebration or a simple dessert at home, these bars are sure to impress. Follow step-by-step instructions to create a delicious dessert that will warm your heart and bring joy to your table.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

3 cups grated carrots (about 5 medium carrots)

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Orange zest (from about half an orange, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple.

        Mix Together: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. If using walnuts, fold them in at this stage.

          Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

            Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy and well mixed. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest if using, adjusting the sugar for your desired sweetness and thickness.

              Frost the Bars: Once the carrot cake bars are completely cool, use an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting over the top evenly.

                Serve and Enjoy: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles, serve, and enjoy this decadent treat!

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: Approximately 24 bars