Carrot Cake Bars with Coconut Cream Frosting Recipe

If you’ve been on the lookout for a delightful treat that balances wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavor, then the Carrot Cake Bars with Coconut Cream Frosting Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These bars beautifully combine the earthiness of grated carrots with the warm spices of cinnamon and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, all crowned with a luscious, naturally dairy-free coconut cream frosting. Perfectly moist and just sweet enough, these bars bring together the comfort of classic carrot cake in a fun, convenient bar form that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a personal treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these carrot cake bars lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in building the flavor, texture, and nutritional goodness, while keeping the recipe approachable and fuss-free. Let’s dive into the essentials that make this recipe shine.

• Grated Carrots: The star of the show, they add natural sweetness, moisture, and that iconic carrot cake texture.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and hearty texture, making the bars wholesome and satisfying.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise perfectly for a tender crumb without any heaviness.
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, enhancing the overall comforting flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds depth with its rich, caramel notes.
• Applesauce: Works as a moistening agent and keeps the bars soft and tender.
• Almond Milk (or any non-dairy milk): Adds moisture and helps to blend the batter smoothly without dairy.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavor with its fragrant, sweet aroma.
• Chopped Walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and a slightly earthy contrast.
• Coconut Cream: The creamy base of the frosting that gives it richness and a tropical twist.

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Coconut Cream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper – this trick ensures your bars come out perfectly and makes cleanup a breeze. Prepping the pan properly sets the stage for flawless baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the grated carrots, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures your spices and leavening are evenly distributed, giving you uniform flavor and texture throughout your bars.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract. This liquid blend brings sweetness, moisture, and flavor all into one mix, preparing the batter for a lovely, tender crumb.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is just combined. Be gentle here – overmixing can make the bars tough, so aim for a nice, even batter without overworking it.

Step 5: Add in Walnuts

If you’re using chopped walnuts, fold them in carefully now. They infuse a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft cake, while also adding a bit of protein and healthy fats.

Step 6: Spread Batter Evenly in the Pan

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This step helps the bars bake evenly, ensuring every square is consistent and picture-perfect.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your bars for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watch closely near the end – you want moist and tender bars, not dried out ones!

Step 8: Make the Coconut Cream Frosting

While the bars bake, whisk together the coconut cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. This simple frosting is creamy, lightly sweet, and naturally dairy-free, elevating your bars with minimal effort.

Step 9: Cool Before Frosting

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is key to preventing the frosting from melting or sliding off, and it gives you a chance to admire that golden color and enticing aroma.

Step 10: Frost and Slice

Spread the coconut cream frosting evenly over the cooled bars. After frosting, slice into 9 generous squares, ready to delight your taste buds and those lucky enough to share.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Coconut Cream Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a little something extra on top or beside your bars can really amp up their charm. Try sprinkling finely chopped walnuts or toasted coconut flakes over the frosting for added texture and a lovely rustic look. A light dusting of cinnamon can also add aroma and color contrast.

Side Dishes

These carrot cake bars are terrific on their own but pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai or your favorite herbal tea. For a brunch spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy coconut yogurt for an extra dose of tropical freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or parties, arrange the bars on a pretty platter lined with palm leaves or parchment paper tied with twine for a cozy, homemade vibe. You can also layer them in a glass jar with parchment for a portable treat that’s as charming as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Carrot Cake Bars with Coconut Cream Frosting Recipe in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy your favorite snack anytime without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly frozen, they maintain their deliciousness for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!

Reheating

For that freshly-baked warmth, reheat the bars gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid heating too long to prevent drying out the frosting; you want it just soft enough for that creamy, dreamy experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! Regular all-purpose flour works just as well and will give you a slightly lighter texture, but whole wheat adds a wonderful nuttiness and boosts the fiber content.

Is it necessary to use coconut cream for the frosting?

Coconut cream gives this frosting its signature richness and lightly tropical flavor, but you can substitute with vegan cream cheese or coconut yogurt for a different, yet still delicious, twist.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the chopped walnuts in the batter and use a nut-free milk alternative. The bars will still be moist and flavorful without the nuts.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The best test is a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, swap whole wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a binding agent for best results.

Final Thoughts

These Carrot Cake Bars with Coconut Cream Frosting Recipe have quickly become one of my favorite comfort treats to whip up whenever I want a little slice of homemade goodness. They are wonderfully simple, nourishing, and so satisfying — the perfect balance of sweet and wholesome with a frosting that feels like a little tropical vacation. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!

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