Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin your baking journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for your cake bars to rise beautifully and develop that golden-brown exterior. While the oven heats up, take a moment to enjoy the delightful aroma of your spice-filled ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This step ensures that your bars don’t stick to the pan. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges for easy lifting later. You’re setting the stage for a gorgeous, moist cake!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re thoroughly blended. This is where the flavors will begin to meld, and your kitchen will soon be filled with a mouthwatering scent.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and oil until the mix is smooth and creamy. It’s crucial to achieve a fluffy consistency as this will add moisture to your cake bars. Don’t forget to fold in the vanilla extract for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 5: Integrate the Ingredients

Slowly add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can make your bars dense. Let the excitement build as you fold in freshly grated carrots, raisins, and chopped nuts, bringing a delightful crunch and color to the batter.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. With a gentle hand, place your dish in the preheated oven. As your carrot cake bars bake, take a moment to daydream about the creamy frosting waiting for you. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 7: Cool the Cake Bars

Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let the cake bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack. The anticipation will be worth it!

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the frosting. Beat until it’s fluffy and smooth, creating a heavenly texture that perfectly complements your cake bars. This decadent frosting is what dreams are made of!

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once your cake bars are completely cool, slather the delightful cream cheese frosting over the top. Use a spatula to create waves and swirls; it’s all about presentation! Cut into squares, and your Decadent Carrot Cake Bars are ready to serve. Enjoy each bite!