Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional but adds a lovely warmth)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or substitute with melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but they add wonderful texture)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (adds moisture and a subtle tang)
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make lifting the bars easier later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mixing the spices with the dry ingredients ensures even distribution.
- In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs together until smooth and slightly fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air, giving the bars a nice texture.
- Slowly add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the sugar and egg mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and crushed pineapple. I love this part because the kitchen fills with that familiar, cozy scent that always makes me feel at home.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see flour pockets.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like a warm hug while these bake!
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is key to getting a clean cut and perfect texture.
- While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. Then gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, mixing on low speed until fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before cutting into squares.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 squares. Serve with a big glass of milk or your favorite afternoon tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International