Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
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When you’re in the mood for something sweet, spiced, and soul-soothing, these carrot cake bars deliver all the charm of classic carrot cake in a fuss-free, shareable format. Perfect for potlucks, holiday dessert trays, or a quiet moment with coffee, they’re moist, warmly spiced, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Comfort never tasted so good.
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🧾 Ingredients
| Carrot Cake Bars | |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | ½ cup |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1½ tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp |
| Ground cloves (optional) | ¼ tsp |
| Finely grated carrots | 2 cups (about 3–4 medium carrots) |
| Crushed pineapple (drained) | ¾ cup |
| Chopped walnuts or pecans | ½ cup (optional) |
| Cream Cheese Frosting | |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Salt | Pinch |
🍰 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
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2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually stir into the wet mixture.
4. Fold in Add-Ins
Add grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts (if using). Mix until evenly combined.
5. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
6. Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
7. Frost & Slice
Once bars are fully cooled, spread frosting evenly over the top. Slice into bars and serve with love.
