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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
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat, offering a moist texture and rich flavor thanks to grated carrots, coconut, and warm spices. Ideal for gatherings or a sweet indulgence at home, they’re easy to make and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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 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

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine applesauce or oil and granulated sugar, mixing until well combined.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in the grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
  7. Stir in the crushed pineapple until evenly distributed.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let cool completely before frosting.
  10. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
  11. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares for serving.

Notes

Ensure the pineapple is not drained to keep the bars moist.
Adjust the nuts based on personal preference or omit them for a nut-free version.
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 115mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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