Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 1-1/4 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 jar (6 ounces) carrot baby food
  • 1 container (3-1/2 ounces) applesauce baby food
  • 1 container (3-1/2 ounces) apricot baby food
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

Frosting

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Optional

  • 1/2 – 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and oil for 2 minutes. Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to egg mixture. Add baby foods; mix well. Stir in walnuts if desired.
Transfer to a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
For frosting
In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar. Frost; cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.
Optional
Top with chopped walnuts before cutting into bars