🍰 Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting 🍰

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthier twist! These carrot cake bars are perfect for family gatherings or a delightful treat to brighten your workday.

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

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a bowl.
3. In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed sugar mixture, ensuring each is well blended before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is mixed.
6. Fold the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and optional walnuts into the batter.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan.
9. For the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese with butter until smooth, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
10. Spread the frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars and cut into squares for serving.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 18g

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of clove or allspice to the batter.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting recipe by 1/2 cup.

⏳ Preparation time ⏳
Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Serving: 12 servings