Carrot Cake Bars with Maple Coconut Frosting Recipe

If you’re ready to dive into a comforting, naturally sweet treat that’s bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients, then the Carrot Cake Bars with Maple Coconut Frosting Recipe is definitely for you. These bars combine tender shredded carrots, warm spices, and a delightfully creamy, subtly sweet maple coconut frosting that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast, these bars strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment, making them an instant favorite to bake over and over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each playing an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the naturally sweet maple syrup to the fragrant cinnamon and creamy coconut cream, every component adds a special touch to these carrot cake bars.

• Grated carrots: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and vibrant color to the bars.
• Whole wheat flour: Provides a nutty flavor and hearty texture with extra fiber.
• Baking soda: Helps the bars rise and become tender.
• Cinnamon: Infuses the bars with warming spice tones.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet and spicy elements.
• Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gives depth and richness.
• Applesauce: Adds moisture and a gentle sweetness without extra fat.
• Almond milk (or other non-dairy milk): Keeps the mixture smooth and tender.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a fragrant hint.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds satisfying crunch and nuttiness.
• Coconut cream: Creates a luscious base for the maple coconut frosting.

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars with Maple Coconut Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your bars come out easily without any sticking, so you can focus on enjoying them!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture forms the flavorful foundation for your carrot cake bars, giving each bite a perfect balance of spice and texture.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the maple syrup, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. These ingredients bring moisture and sweetness, helping the bars stay tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing so your bars stay soft and cakey.

Step 5: Add the Crunch

Fold in the chopped walnuts if you’re using them. They add a lovely crunch and complement the moist, tender texture of the bars perfectly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know they’re perfectly baked when the top is golden and springy.

Step 7: Make the Maple Coconut Frosting

While your bars are enjoying their time in the oven, whisk together the coconut cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl. This luscious frosting will bring a creamy, slightly tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices in the carrot cake bars.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—it’s all about letting the flavors settle and the texture firm up. Once cooled, spread the maple coconut frosting evenly on top for that perfect finishing touch.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy

Cut your carrot cake bars into 9 generous squares and get ready to savor every bite of this delightful treat alongside your favorite drink or just as they are!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars with Maple Coconut Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To add a touch of elegance or extra texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or toasted coconut flakes on top after frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the warm flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a creamy cup of chai tea, rich coffee, or even a refreshing glass of almond milk. For a brunch setting, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of coconut yogurt for a complete, colorful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with scattered nuts and dried fruits. You can also serve them with small bowls of extra maple coconut frosting for dipping, or layer them with whipped coconut cream for an impressive dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your carrot cake bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps the frosting fresh and the bars moist, ready for whenever a sweet craving hits.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture and taste.

Reheating

To enjoy your bars warm, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or let them come to room temperature after refrigerating. Avoid reheating too long to keep the frosting intact and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! Using all-purpose flour will give you a slightly lighter texture, but whole wheat flour adds a wonderful nuttiness and extra fiber that makes these bars stand out.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes! The recipe uses non-dairy milk and coconut cream, and there are no eggs or dairy products in the bars or frosting, making it perfect for a vegan-friendly treat.

Can I omit the walnuts?

Of course! Walnuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer a nut-free version or want a softer texture. You could also substitute them with pecans or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.

How sweet are these bars?

They have a natural, mild sweetness from the maple syrup and carrots, which is balanced by warm spices and creamy frosting. They are perfect for those who love a lightly sweetened dessert without needing extra sugar.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the maple coconut frosting a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before spreading it on the bars to restore its smooth, creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

These Carrot Cake Bars with Maple Coconut Frosting Recipe have quickly become one of my all-time favorite treats to bake and share. They are simple, naturally sweet, and packed with comforting flavors that feel like a warm embrace in every bite. I promise, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for these bars as your go-to snack or dessert. So go ahead, bake a batch, and let the magic of carrots, spices, and maple coconut frosting brighten your day!

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