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Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars


  • Author: emilyharper
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Deliciously spiced carrot cake bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for sharing and celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl.
  3. Add the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract.
  4. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in another bowl.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer and gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
  9. Cool the baked bars in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting and refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding lemon zest or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: carrot cake, dessert bars, cream cheese frosting