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The Ultimate Ultra-Moist Carrot Cake Bars with Tangy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a moist slice of carrot cake bars topped with thick cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts.
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Make these ultra-moist carrot cake bars packed with warm spices and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy recipe delivers classic carrot cake flavor in a simple pan format, perfect for potlucks or snacks.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • For the Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and pecans, if using.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  10. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  12. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice until fully combined.
  13. Once the cake bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  14. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter.
  • If you skip the pineapple, add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for texture.
  • Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/carrot-cake-bars/