Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars once baked.
2. Make the Carrot Cake Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and vegetable oil together until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Gently stir in the grated carrots, walnuts (if using), and raisins (if using), making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Bake the Bars:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
   • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). The bars should be golden brown on top.
   • Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • While the bars are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.
5. Frost the Bars:
   • Once the carrot cake bars are completely cool, spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the bars. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
   • For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top or even some shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
6. Cut and Serve:
   • Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. The bars are perfect for a crowd, as they’re easy to slice and share.

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Bars

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of grated carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a moist, flavorful base that’s just the right level of sweetness.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and no complicated layers, these bars are perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich, tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the sweetness of the bars, creating a flavor combination that’s hard to beat.
• Customizable: Add in some raisins, walnuts, or even a bit of shredded coconut to make these bars your own. You can even go frosting-free for a lighter version!

The Verdict: Decadence in Every Bite

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are everything you love about carrot cake, without all the effort. They’re moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level of deliciousness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these bars are sure to become a go-to recipe in your dessert repertoire.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for carrot cake but don’t want to deal with layers, give these bars a try. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an absolute indulgence in every bite!