Craving a mouthwatering dessert that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy? Look no further than these Fluffy Carrot Cake Bars that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine biting into a perfectly moist, spiced treat that's packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor - all while being completely vegan and super easy to make. Whether you're a plant-based foodie or just someone who loves a delectable sweet treat, these carrot cake bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on two sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, all-purpose flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce and almond milk until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture. Gently fold and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be smooth with no dry flour patches.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 even bars. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or top with a light cream cheese frosting before serving.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Make sure to grate your carrots finely and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent soggy bars.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, fold gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test to ensure your bars are perfectly baked - a few moist crumbs are okay, but the toothpick shouldn't have wet batter.
- Cooling Matters: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and maintain their shape.
- Storage Tip: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Customize Your Bars: Feel free to add chopped nuts, raisins, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon to make the recipe your own!Pro Hack: For an extra special touch, try drizzling a simple vegan glaze or sprinkling some powdered sugar on top before serving to elevate these already amazing carrot cake bars!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
