Description

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat, combining rich flavors with simple preparation. Made with fresh carrots, coconut, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion and promise to impress your guests!

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 your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine applesauce or oil with granulated sugar, mixing well.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, and mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts if using, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple.
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow to cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add in vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until creamy and well combined.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake bars and slice into squares.

Notes

For a more tropical flavor, consider adding shredded coconut to the batter.
Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for an easier frosting process.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg