Carrot Cake Bars
Introduction
Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake with these scrumptious Carrot Cake Bars. Moist, lightly spiced, and topped with a luscious dairy-free frosting, these bars are perfect for a guilt-free sweet treat.
Why choose this Carrot Cake Bars recipe?
These Carrot Cake Bars offer all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional carrot cake in a convenient bar form. Made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, maple syrup, and a delightful coconut cream frosting, this recipe is a healthier yet delicious alternative to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Steps for Carrot Cake Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until a smooth, consistent batter forms.
Step 5: Add Optional Walnuts
If desired, gently fold in the chopped walnuts to add a nutty crunch to the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Health Benefits of Carrot Cake Bars
Carrot cake bars offer a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, providing a dose of nutrients from the carrots such as vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. The whole wheat flour used in this recipe adds extra fiber and nutrients compared to refined flour options. Additionally, the use of natural sweeteners like maple syrup reduces the overall sugar content, making these bars a guilt-free indulgence.
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A healthy and delicious twist on the classic carrot cake, these carrot cake bars are moist, lightly spiced, and topped with a creamy, dairy-free frosting. I like making these bars when I’m craving something sweet but still want to keep things wholesome. They’re perfect as a grab-and-go snack, an afternoon treat, or even a light dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it brings all the cozy, spiced flavor of carrot cake in an easy, no-fuss bar form. It’s made with whole wheat flour, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and includes applesauce and almond milk to keep it moist without extra fat. The frosting is a simple coconut cream blend that’s light but rich. Whether I’m sharing with friends or keeping a batch in the fridge for myself, these bars are always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
carrot cake bars:
1 1/2 cups grated carrots
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
frosting:
1/4 cup coconut cream
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I combine the grated carrots, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, I whisk together the maple syrup, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
I pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir everything together until smooth and well combined.
If I’m adding walnuts, I fold them in at this stage.
I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the bars bake, I whisk together the coconut cream, maple syrup, and vanilla for the frosting.
Once baked, I let the bars cool completely before spreading the frosting over the top.
I slice them into squares and they’re ready to enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 9 carrot cake bars.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Each bar contains about 160 kcal.
Variations
I sometimes add raisins or shredded coconut for a bit more texture and sweetness.
If I don’t have whole wheat flour, I swap in all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend.
For a protein boost, I’ve mixed in a scoop of plant-based protein powder without changing the flavor too much.
I like to use pecans instead of walnuts if that’s what I have on hand.
A dash of nutmeg or ginger adds a spicier twist to the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I keep these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re also freezer-friendly—just freeze individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I want one, I thaw it in the fridge or on the counter. I usually eat them cold or at room temperature, but I can warm them slightly in the microwave if I want a softer texture.
Related Recipes:
- Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookies
- Carrot Cake Cookies Stuffed with Cream Cheese
- Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cake
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, I can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of whole wheat flour. I just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
=”Can I make carrot cake bars without nuts?”
Absolutely! If you prefer nut-free carrot cake bars, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture.
Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can easily veganize these carrot cake bars by using plant-based milk and opting for a vegan cream alternative for the frosting. The result is still delicious and cruelty-free!
Can I add a cream cheese frosting instead?
Certainly! If you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting, feel free to substitute the coconut cream frosting with a classic cream cheese frosting for a more traditional carrot cake experience.
What makes carrot cake bars a healthier option?
Carrot cake bars offer a healthier twist compared to traditional cakes due to the use of whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and the addition of nutrient-rich carrots. They are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while incorporating some nutritional benefits.
=”3300″ data-end=”3336″>How can I adjust the sweetness level of these bars?
If I prefer a sweeter taste, I can increase the amount of maple syrup or add a bit of honey. Alternatively, I can reduce the sweetness by using less maple syrup or incorporating a sugar substitute like stevia.
Are these bars suitable for a nut-free diet?
Yes, for a nut-free version, I simply omit the walnuts from the recipe. I can also replace almond milk with a nut-free alternative like oat milk or soy milk.
Can I freeze these bars with the frosting?
It’s best to freeze the bars without the frosting. I suggest wrapping each bar individually in wax paper before placing them in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, I let them thaw in the fridge overnight and add the frosting before serving.
How long do these bars stay fresh at room temperature?
To maintain freshness, I recommend storing these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, it’s best to refrigerate them to preserve their taste and texture.
Conclusion about the recipe Carrot Cake Bars
These Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of carrot cake in a convenient bar form. With a moist and spiced carrot base topped with a creamy coconut frosting, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to impress with their wholesome ingredients and delicious taste. Get ready to savor each bite of these delightful Carrot Cake Bars!
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