Pineapple Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pineapple Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the best of both worlds: the moist, spiced goodness of carrot cake and the sweet, tangy flavor of pineapple. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or a simple weeknight dessert. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and optional garnishes like pineapple chunks, grated carrot, and chopped nuts, these bars are as beautiful as they are delicious. Each serving contains approximately 300 kcal, making them a delightful treat that isn’t overly indulgent.

Ingredients to Prepare

This recipe yields 12 servings. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings:

• Pineapple chunks
• Grated carrot
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

How to Make

Preheat the Oven:

1.1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

2.1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

3.1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

4.1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. 4.2. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using).

Bake the Cake:

5.1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. 5.2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 5.3. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting:

6.1. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. 6.2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and smooth.

Frost the Cake:

7.1. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Add the Toppings:

8.1. Garnish with pineapple chunks, grated carrot, and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using).

Serve:

9.1. Slice into bars and serve your Tropical Pineapple Carrot Cake Bars. 9.2. Enjoy your delicious and tropical treat!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 45-50 minutes | Kcal: 300 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings

Helpful Tips

• Grated Carrots: Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded carrots can be too dry and lack the necessary moisture.
• Pineapple: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
• Nuts: Toasting the pecans or walnuts before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch.

Cooking Tips

• Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
• Frosting: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the frosting for a smooth and creamy texture.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.

Serving Suggestions

• Occasions: These bars are perfect for birthdays, Easter celebrations, potlucks, or any time you crave a delicious dessert.
• Pairing: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Garnish: Top with extra grated carrot, pineapple chunks, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added presentation.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 30g
• Fiber: 2g

Storage and Leftovers

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: The bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: Enjoy the bars cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you love Pineapple Carrot Cake Bars, you might enjoy these other delightful dessert recipes:

1. Classic Carrot Cake:

A traditional carrot cake with layers of cream cheese frosting, perfect for any special occasion.

2. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:

A sweet and tangy cake with caramelized pineapple rings and a moist cake base.

3. Carrot Cake Muffins:

Deliciously spiced carrot cake muffins topped with a creamy frosting, ideal for breakfast or a snack.

4. Coconut Carrot Cake:

A tropical twist on the classic carrot cake, featuring shredded coconut and a luscious cream cheese frosting.

5. Zucchini Carrot Cake:

A moist and flavorful cake made with zucchini and carrots, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Make sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

2. What if I don’t have applesauce?

You can substitute the applesauce with an equal amount of vegetable oil or unsweetened yogurt.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

4. How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted. If the frosting is too runny, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Can I add other spices to the batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like ginger, cloves, or allspice for a more complex flavor.

Conclusion

Pineapple Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful and tropical twist on the classic carrot cake. With their moist texture, sweet pineapple flavor, and rich cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Serve them with your favorite beverage and enjoy a slice of tropical heaven. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and happy baking!

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