Description

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful blend of flavors, featuring fresh carrots, sweet pineapple, and a creamy frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, this recipe is simple and satisfying, making it great 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 (pecans, optional)
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) and prepare a baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine applesauce (or oil) and granulated sugar, mixing until well blended.
Add the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, and ground cinnamon.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in the grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
Gently stir in the crushed pineapple to the batter.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and continue mixing, adding the vanilla extract until combined.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled carrot cake bars and cut into squares.

Notes

The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
These bars are perfect for potlucks, as they travel well and are easy to serve.
You can substitute the nuts with raisins or other add-ins if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 204
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 147mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 34mg