Carrot Cake Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Carrot Cake Bars are a perfect way to enjoy a traditional carrot cake with the ease of a bar. They have a light and fluffy texture with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, thanks to ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and freshly grated carrots. Topped with a creamy, dairy-free frosting, they are the perfect dessert for vegans and anyone who loves a comforting, indulgent treat. These bars are quick to make, and they store well, so you can enjoy them for several days.

Ingredients

For the carrot cake bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese (softened)

• 1/4 cup vegan butter (softened)

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the grated carrots, applesauce, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

7. Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

8. Once the carrot cake bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the bars.

9. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12-16 bars (depending on size)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

1. Add-ins: You can add other mix-ins like raisins, shredded coconut, or dried pineapple for extra texture and sweetness.

2. Gluten-free: To make these bars gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

3. Spices: If you love a spicier flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for an extra kick.

4. No frosting: If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the frosting and serve the bars as is, or dust them with a little powdered sugar instead.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave them for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use shredded coconut in these bars?

Yes! Adding shredded coconut to the batter would give the bars a delicious texture and enhance the flavor. About 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut should be perfect.

2. Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with agave syrup, coconut sugar, or date syrup. Just adjust the amount depending on the sweetness of the substitute.

3. Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the walnuts or pecans from the batter, and you’ll have a nut-free version. You could also substitute the nuts with seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, if you’d like a crunchy texture.

4. Can I skip the frosting?

Yes, you can skip the frosting if you prefer a lighter dessert. The bars are perfectly sweet and moist on their own. You could also dust them with powdered sugar instead of frosting for a simpler option.

5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They even taste better the next day as the flavors meld together.

6. How can I make the frosting without vegan cream cheese?

If you don’t have vegan cream cheese, you can make a simple frosting with just powdered sugar, vegan butter, and a little non-dairy milk or coconut cream. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.

7. Can I freeze these carrot cake bars?

Yes, these bars freeze really well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.

8. Can I add raisins to the bars?

Yes! Raisins are a wonderful addition to carrot cake bars, and they pair beautifully with the carrots and spices. Simply fold in about 1/2 cup of raisins with the dry ingredients.

9. Can I make these bars in a different-sized pan?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a larger or smaller pan. If using a 9×13-inch pan, the bars will be thinner, so you may need to reduce the baking time slightly. If using a smaller pan, the bars may take a bit longer to bake.

10. Can I add pineapple to the carrot cake bars?

Yes! Adding crushed pineapple is a great way to add moisture and sweetness to the bars. Be sure to drain the pineapple well before adding it to the batter.

Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Bars are a fantastic dessert that captures all the flavors of traditional carrot cake but in a more convenient and portable form. With a moist, spiced base and a rich, creamy frosting, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Plus, they are versatile and easy to make, making them a great choice for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a family gathering or enjoy them as an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to be a hit!

---

Print