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Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Indulge in the delightful flavors of Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These bars boast a wonderfully moist texture and a perfect blend of spices that capture the essence of classic carrot cake in a convenient form. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as an afternoon pick-me-up, each bite is like a warm hug! With easy preparation steps and customizable options, you’ll find yourself baking these bars time and again. Top them with creamy frosting or enjoy them plain; they’re irresistibly delicious either way!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
  6. Gently fold in the grated carrots (and nuts if using).
  7. Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
  8. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Once baked, let your bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  10. While the bars cool, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while beating until smooth and fluffy.
  11. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://lilyyummy.com/decadent-carrot-cake-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/