Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and shredded coconut (if using).
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let the carrot cake bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream the cheese and butter: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add vanilla and powdered sugar: Beat in the vanilla extract and gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
3. Frost the bars: Once the carrot cake bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
4. Serve: Slice into bars and enjoy! Optionally, you can sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts or shredded coconut on top for a little extra crunch.

Enjoy your carrot cake bars with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting!