Carrots – the unsung hero of the vegetable world, versatile, nutritious, and delightfully sweet. If you’re looking for a scrumptious way to incorporate more of this everyday marvel into your diet, look no further than these delightful Frosted Carrot Squares. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between moist, carrot-infused cake and fluffy, creamy frosting, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weekend brunch or a special dessert for a gathering, these squares are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and create some kitchen magic with this delectable recipe!
**Frosted Carrot Squares**
**Ingredients:**
For the Carrot Squares:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups shredded carrots
– ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Creamy Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. **Blend Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Fold in Carrots and Nuts:** Gently fold in the shredded carrots and chopped walnuts into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. **Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool Completely:** Allow the carrot squares to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. **Prepare the Frosting:** While the squares are cooling, prepare the creamy frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
9. **Frost the Squares:** Once the carrot squares have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
10. **Chill and Serve:** For best results, chill the Frosted Carrot Squares in the refrigerator for about an hour to allow the frosting to set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve.
Enjoy these Frosted Carrot Squares as a delightful dessert or sweet treat alongside your favorite cup of tea or coffee. The moist, flavorful cake paired with the rich, creamy frosting is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Experiment with different nuts or spices to make this recipe uniquely yours. Feel free to share this recipe with your fellow carrot enthusiasts and spread the joy of baking with this delightful creation!
