Pineapple Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Author:Elyna
Total Time:45-50 minutes
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: 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: 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: 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: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using).
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and smooth.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Add the Toppings: Garnish with pineapple chunks, grated carrot, and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using).
Serve: Slice into bars and serve your Tropical Pineapple Carrot Cake Bars. Enjoy your delicious and tropical treat!
