If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that combines wholesome goodness with the comforting flavors of classic carrot cake, you have just found it. This Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is an absolute game-changer in the world of plant-based baking. Imagine moist, naturally sweet bars infused with warm spices and the vibrant color of fresh carrots, all without a hint of dairy or eggs. Whether you need a quick snack, a make-ahead dessert, or a shareable treat for friends and family, these bars hit every mark with ease and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons this Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is so approachable and satisfying is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each item plays a crucial role in building texture, flavor, and that perfect balance between sweet and spiced.
- Grated carrots (1½ cups, packed): Freshly grated for moisture and natural sweetness, these lend the cake its irresistible texture and vibrant color.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure and holds all the ingredients together just right.
- Almond flour (½ cup): Adds a subtle nutty flavor and keeps the bars wonderfully tender.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Offers deep caramel notes and sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
- Maple syrup (¼ cup): A natural sweetener that infuses moisture and richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Unsweetened applesauce (½ cup): Acts as a vegan binder, adding moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- Coconut oil, melted (¼ cup): Introduces a delicate richness while keeping the bars moist and soft.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor by adding warm, sweet undertones.
- Ground cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): Brings that classic spiced note essential to any carrot cake.
- Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle zing that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
- Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Offers a warm, aromatic touch that rounds out the spice profile.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works together with the baking powder for perfect lift and texture.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup, optional): Add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor if you like extra texture.
- Raisins (¼ cup, optional): Provide chewy bursts of natural sweetness throughout the bars.
How to Make Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This ensures your bars bake evenly and come out easily when it’s time to slice.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth. This liquid blend is your batter’s heart, bringing moisture and sweetness that make each bite indulgent.
Step 3: Add the Carrots
Stir in the freshly grated carrots right into the wet mixture, folding them gently to coat every shred with flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This spice-packed dry mix is what turns the bars into that nostalgic carrot cake you adore.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can make baked goods tough, so stop when you see everything is just incorporated. If you’re adding nuts and raisins, gently fold them in at this stage for bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is nothing short of magical.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely before removing them from the pan and slicing. This cooling step locks in moisture and makes the bars easier to cut beautifully.
How to Serve Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Top your carrot cake bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar, or for a luscious touch, spread a simple vegan frosting made from cashews and maple syrup. A sprinkle of crushed nuts on top adds a lovely crunch and makes the bars feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of your favorite plant-based milk or a bold coffee. If you want to round out your snack or dessert, serve with fresh fruit like berries or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt for a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe as bite-sized squares at a party, or stack them prettily on a dessert platter with edible flowers for a stunning presentation. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for charming gift-worthy treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They maintain their moist texture and fresh flavor for up to 5 days, making them a convenient, grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
Want to keep these bars longer? Individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they can last for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
If you prefer your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe warm, simply reheat them in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. This step revives their softness and highlights the comforting spices with every bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond flour with another flour?
Absolutely! While almond flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and tenderness, you can swap it out for oat flour or more all-purpose flour if necessary, keeping in mind that this might slightly change the texture.
Are these bars suitable for gluten-free diets?
Not in their current form since all-purpose flour contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend for baking, which should work well, although the texture may vary a bit.
Can I add other mix-ins besides nuts and raisins?
Yes! Feel free to flex your creativity by adding shredded coconut, dairy-free chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries to make these bars uniquely yours.
How sweet are these bars?
These Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe strikes a lovely balance of natural sweetness from maple syrup and brown sugar, complemented by the carrots and raisins. They are satisfyingly sweet without being overpowering.
Is there a way to make these bars oil-free?
You can try replacing the coconut oil with additional applesauce, but note that the texture might be less rich and slightly denser. It’s a good option if you want to reduce fat content while keeping it vegan.
Final Thoughts
Making this Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of autumn flavors any time of year. They’re simple to bake, made from wholesome ingredients, and deliver a perfect combination of moistness, spice, and natural sweetness that will have you reaching for one more bar. Trust me, once you try them, these vegan carrot cake bars will become your new favorite snack or dessert to make again and again.
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Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Carrot Cake Bars are a delicious and healthy plant-based dessert option. Made with grated carrots, a blend of all-purpose and almond flour, natural sweeteners like maple syrup and brown sugar, and warmed spices, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The bars are moist and flavorful, easy to prepare, and can be optionally enhanced with nuts and raisins. Perfect as a snack or a guilt-free dessert, they are dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups grated carrots (packed)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, well-combined mixture. Then stir in the grated carrots thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, almond flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients bowl and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins if you’re using them, distributing them evenly without crushing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting them out using the parchment paper and slicing into 9 bars.
Notes
- For a simple vegan frosting, blend ½ cup soaked cashews, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2–3 tablespoons plant-based milk until smooth and spread on cooled bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free option.
- Make sure the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
