Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the delightful fusion of warm spices and sweet cream cheese frosting with these Decadent Carrot Cake Bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars offer the moist and flavorful richness of carrot cake in a convenient, easy-to-serve format. Follow this detailed recipe to create a batch of irresistible carrot cake bars that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp (6g) baking powder
- 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt
- 1 tsp (2.5g) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (1g) ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp (1g) ground ginger
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 2 cups (220g) grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup (120g) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Number of Servings: 24
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking and to ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This step ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a light and tender cake. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
6. Make the Frosting
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
7. Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Cut into bars and garnish with additional chopped walnuts if desired. These bars are best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature.
Helpful Tips
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting. Cold ingredients can result in a lumpy texture.
Drain the Pineapple
Drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which can affect the cake’s texture.
Cooking Tips
Flavor Boost
For an added flavor boost, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter. Toasting enhances their natural flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Fresh Ingredients
Using freshly grated carrots will provide better texture and moisture compared to pre-grated ones. Fresh carrots also have a sweeter flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake.
Conclusion
These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of spiced cake with the creamy sweetness of the frosting. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of these delicious bars!