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Carrot-Cake-Bars-with-Cream-Cheese-Frosting-Recipe

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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  • Author: Peter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 36 servings 1x
  • Category: Desserts & Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat! Made with fresh grated carrots and topped with a creamy frosting, they offer an irresistible flavor and are perfect for any gathering. Enjoy a slice of comfort with simple preparation and wholesome ingredients.

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, pecans recommended)
  • 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce (or oil) and sugar until well mixed.
  4. Add in the eggs and mix until fully incorporated.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  7. Fold in the grated carrots, coconut, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
  8. Stir in the crushed pineapple (make sure it is not drained).
  9. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  11. While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  12. Add in the vanilla extract and gradually blend in the powdered sugar until fluffy and combined.
  13. Once the cake bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to use finely shredded carrots for the best texture.
Feel free to substitute the nuts based on your preference or omit them entirely.
These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, if they last that long!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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Find it online: https://betterbitekitchen.com/carrot-cake-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/