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Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Deliciously moist carrot cake bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for dessert or a snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1.25 cups unsweetened applesauce or oil Use as indicated.
  • 2 cups sugar Granulated sugar.
  • 3 pieces eggs Large eggs.
  • 2 cups flour All-purpose flour.
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 cup chopped nuts Optional.
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple Use the pineapple in juice, not syrup.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 0.5 cups butter Softened.
  • 8 oz cream cheese Softened.
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 lb powdered sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or oil) and sugar until well combined.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a smoother batter.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula just until combined.
  6. Fold in the grated carrots, coconut, nuts (if using), vanilla, and crushed pineapple.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  2. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  3. While the bars cool, prepare the frosting.
Frosting
  1. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add the vanilla and continue to beat. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed initially.
  3. Once combined, increase speed to medium-high until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assembly
  1. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
  2. Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or topped with toasted coconut or chopped pecans for extra flavor.