Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until smooth and combined. Gradually add the oil and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans (if using).
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the carrot cake to cool completely in the pan.
7. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract.
8. Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
9. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped pecans for an extra crunch and flavor.
10. Slice into squares or bars and enjoy your delicious homemade carrot cake bars!

These carrot cake bars are perfect for any occasion and offer all the flavor of traditional carrot cake, with the added bonus of being easy to cut and serve. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!