Description

Enjoy the delightful taste of Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, featuring moist carrots, sweet coconut, and a creamy topping. They’re easy to make and perfect for gatherings or a cozy dessert at home.

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine unsweetened applesauce (or oil) and granulated sugar.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in another bowl.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
Fold in grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts (if using), and vanilla extract.
Stir in crushed pineapple without draining it.
Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Once cooled, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Spread the frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars and cut into squares.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the frosting.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
These bars can be frozen; wrap tightly and store for up to three months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg