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Carrot Cake Bars

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These Carrot Cake Bars are a delicious, portable version of traditional carrot cake. They feature a moist, spiced base filled with grated carrots and topped with creamy, dairy-free frosting for a delightful dessert or snack.

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

Instructions

  1. 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. For the frosting, beat together the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.
  8. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Notes

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip the frosting or dust the bars with powdered sugar instead.To make the bars gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.For an added texture, mix in shredded coconut, raisins, or dried pineapple to the batter.If you don’t have vegan cream cheese, you can make a simple frosting using powdered sugar, vegan butter, and a little non-dairy milk or coconut cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/carrot-cake-bars/