Description
Indulge in the cozy comfort of homemade “Delightful Carrot Cake Squares with Creamy Frosting.” This recipe marries the natural sweetness of carrots and pineapple with the luxurious texture of cream cheese frosting to create an irresistibly decadent dessert. Ideal for gatherings or a comforting afternoon snack, these cake squares offer a delightful combination of flavors and spices sure to please any palate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan and Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Cream Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Add Carrots, Pineapple, and Walnuts Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts if using. Ensure they are distributed evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Frost and Serve Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and cut into squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving