Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
   For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
9. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
11. Spread the frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars and cut into squares to serve.
    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 12 servings | Kcal: 350 kcal per serving