Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
- ½ cup crushed pineapple (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
✅ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
✅ In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
✅ In another bowl, beat together brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
✅ Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
✅ Fold in shredded carrots, pineapple, and nuts (if using).
2. Bake the Bars
✅ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
✅ Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
✅ Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
✅ Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
✅ Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing.
✅ Stir in vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.
4. Frost & Serve
✅ Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
✅ Cut into squares and serve!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese frosting, moist carrot cake, easy baking recipe, spiced carrot cake, homemade dessert, best carrot cake, simple baking recipe, healthy carrot cake, classic dessert, gluten-free carrot cake, dairy-free carrot cake, best frosting recipe