Description
Enjoy the delightful flavor of Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. This easy recipe combines fresh carrots, sweet coconut, and a creamy topping, making it perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce or oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups grated carrots, finely shredded
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, we like to use pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, not drained
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce or oil with 2 cups granulated sugar. Mix well.
- Add 3 large room temperature eggs and stir until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in 2 cups grated carrots, 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, and 1 cup chopped nuts (if using).
- Finally, add 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice) and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
Notes
Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
These bars freeze well; wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
For a richer frosting, consider adding a little more cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg