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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 bars 1x
  • Category: Desserts & Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Combining grated carrots and sweetened coconut, this recipe is 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 (we like to use 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce or oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
  3. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
  4. Stir in the grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
  5. Gently fold in the crushed pineapple until evenly distributed in the batter.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  7. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool in the pan.
  8. In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract.
  9. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy to create the frosting.
  10. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars before cutting into squares.

Notes

Using applesauce instead of oil can reduce the calorie content and add moisture.
For extra flavor, consider adding spices such as nutmeg or ginger to the batter.
These bars can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and freeze well for longer storage.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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