Description
These Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat with tender cake made of grated carrots, coconut, and nuts topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for any gathering or a sweet snack!
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
- 1½ 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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, not drained
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 pound powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the applesauce (or oil) and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
- Fold in the grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
- Gently mix in the crushed pineapple, ensuring it is well distributed.
- Pour the batter 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 cake to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and cut into bars.
Notes
Use unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option or vegetable oil for moistness.
Feel free to substitute the nuts based on your preference or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg