Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars once baked.

2. **Make the Carrot Cake Batter:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
– In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and vegetable oil together until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
– Gently stir in the grated carrots, walnuts (if using), and raisins (if using), making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. **Bake the Bars:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
– Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). The bars should be golden brown on top.
– Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. **Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
– While the bars are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
– Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.

5. **Frost the Bars:**
– Once the carrot cake bars are completely cool, spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the bars. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
– For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top or even some shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

6. **Cut and Serve:**
– Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. The bars are perfect for a crowd, as they’re easy to slice and share.

### Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Bars
– **Moist and Flavorful:** The combination of grated carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a moist, flavorful base that’s just the right level of sweetness.
– **Easy to Make:** With minimal prep and no complicated layers, these bars are perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert.
– **Cream Cheese Frosting:** The rich, tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the sweetness of the bars, creating a flavor combination that’s hard to beat.
– **Customizable:** Add in some raisins, walnuts, or even a bit of shredded coconut to make these bars your own. You can even go frosting-free for a lighter version!

### The Verdict: Decadence in Every Bite
These **Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting** are everything you love about carrot cake, without all the effort. They’re moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level of deliciousness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these bars are sure to become a go-to recipe in your dessert repertoire.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for carrot cake but don’t want to deal with layers, give these bars a try. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an absolute indulgence in every bite!