Decadent Carrot Cake Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Carrot Cake Bars

01 - 190 g all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, optional
08 - 120 ml vegetable oil
09 - 100 g granulated sugar
10 - 100 g brown sugar, packed
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - 150 g finely shredded carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
14 - 60 g chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
15 - 75 g raisins, optional

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

16 - 225 g cream cheese, softened
17 - 57 g unsalted butter, softened
18 - 240 g powdered sugar
19 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and line a 23×33 cm baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using).
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the shredded carrots, and if desired, the chopped nuts and raisins.
05 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
06 - In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
07 - Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting or create decorative swirls.
08 - Cut the bars into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

# Notes:

01 - For a healthier twist, replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
02 - Add a touch of orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist.
03 - These bars freeze well! Freeze unfrosted bars and add the frosting after thawing.

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