Carrot Cake Bars

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ cup of melted unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture and then fold in grated carrots, nuts, and coconut if using.
5. Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
6. For the frosting – Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until creamy. Spread over cooled bars and enjoy!