If you are searching for a moist, flavorful, and wholesome treat, this Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is going to be your new go-to! Combining the natural sweetness of grated carrots with a blend of warm spices and the satisfying crunch of nuts, these bars bring all the comforting tastes of classic carrot cake into one easy-to-handle snack. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, they balance indulgence and health effortlessly, making them a delightful addition to any plant-based baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of these ingredients is what makes this recipe so special. Each one plays a vital role, from the fibrous carrots and hearty oats to the aromatic spices and creamy coconut oil, coming together to create the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance you crave in a vegan carrot cake bar.
- 2 cups grated carrots: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature carrot cake taste and texture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Add chewiness and wholesome texture to balance the softness.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle molasses flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the bars moist while replacing eggs for a vegan-friendly option.
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil: Adds richness and a delicate tropical aroma while keeping the bars dairy-free.
- 1/4 cup almond milk: Binds ingredients and keeps the batter smooth without adding heaviness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the warm flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Delivers that warm, cozy spice note we all love in carrot cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds depth to the spice profile with a slight nutty sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger: Gives a subtle zing to brighten the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise perfectly and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to give proper lift and an airy crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Brings crunch and a toasty nuttiness in each bite.
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional): Adds pockets of chewy sweetness for an extra treat.
How to Make Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This step ensures your bars will bake evenly and come out of the pan effortlessly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these ingredients first helps distribute the spices evenly and ensures the rising agents work uniformly.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture brings moisture and creaminess to the batter, replacing traditional eggs and dairy with plant-based goodness.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your bars tender and soft without becoming tough.
Step 5: Fold in Carrots, Nuts, and Raisins
Finally, fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts or pecans, and optionally the raisins. These additions bring that classic carrot cake texture and flavor with a bit of satisfying crunch and chewiness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When done, let the bars cool completely before slicing to let their flavors set and texture firm up beautifully.
How to Serve Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bars by adding a drizzle of vegan cream cheese frosting or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Toasted coconut flakes or extra chopped nuts sprinkled on top can add a lovely texture contrast and a hint of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea for a perfect afternoon break. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, dairy-free yogurt, or a chia seed pudding to complement the wholesome nature of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the bars on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers for a stunning presentation at gatherings. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on cocktail sticks for a fun party snack that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover vegan carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This storage method preserves their moist texture and fresh flavor, perfect for quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
To enjoy these treats longer, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they can last for up to 2 months without losing their wonderful taste or texture.
Reheating
Warm your bars gently in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or let them come to room temperature if thawed. Reheating brings out the softness and flavors just as if they were freshly baked, making every bite a delightful experience.
FAQs
Can I use another type of flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! If you want to make these bars gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the texture.
Are these bars suitable for people with nut allergies?
You can omit the walnuts or pecans to make this recipe nut-free. Consider adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the allergens.
Can I substitute another sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Yes, coconut sugar or maple syrup can work as alternatives, though if you use liquid sweeteners like maple syrup, reduce the almond milk slightly to keep the batter from becoming too wet.
How moist are these bars compared to traditional carrot cake?
These bars are wonderfully moist thanks to the grated carrots and applesauce, though their texture is a bit denser and chewier, making them perfect as grab-and-go bars without crumbling.
Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, the combination helps the bars rise while keeping a tender crumb. Baking soda reacts with the acidic components like the applesauce, while baking powder provides additional lift for fluffy bars.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe will charm its way into your recipe box and your heart. Whether you’re vegan, looking for a healthier dessert, or simply craving a sweet and spiced snack, these bars deliver on every level with ease and flavor. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear at your next gathering or quiet moment treat.
Print
Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delightfully moist and flavorful vegan carrot cake bars made with grated carrots, oats, and warm spices. These plant-based bars are naturally sweetened and perfect for a healthy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in carrots and nuts: Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts (or pecans), and raisins if using, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
- Spread batter and bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 12 bars. Optional: frost with vegan cream cheese frosting once cooled.
Notes
- For frosting, spread with vegan cream cheese frosting once the bars are completely cooled.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars; thaw before serving.
- To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
