Name: Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 to use 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

Description

Enjoy these delicious Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, combining sweet carrots and rich cream cheese for a treat perfect 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 (optional), we like to use 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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together applesauce (or oil) and granulated sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs and mix until blended.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Fold in grated carrots, coconut, nuts (if using), vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting by mixing softened butter and cream cheese until creamy.
Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, then beat until smooth and fluffy.
Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Notes

For a richer flavor, replace half the applesauce with oil.
Make sure to finely shred the carrots for even distribution in the batter.
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 290
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg