Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract.
12. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
13. Cut into bars and serve.