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
Scale
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.
