If you’ve been on the lookout for a treat that combines wholesome ingredients with all the warmth of classic spice and sweetness, then you absolutely must try this Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe. These bars are incredibly soft and moist, bursting with fresh grated carrots, warming cinnamon, and nutmeg, and dotted with crunchy nuts. Topped with luscious dairy-free cream cheese frosting, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent dessert and nutritious snack. Whether it’s for a springtime picnic, a cozy afternoon treat, or a thoughtful lunchbox surprise, these carrot cake bars bring comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is how the ingredients combine simple pantry staples and natural sweeteners to create something magical. Each component plays a key role—from the grated carrots adding moisture and color, to the choice of flours that give the bars their tender crumb, and the spices that warm your palate.
- Grated carrots (1 1/2 cups): Freshly grated carrots bring natural sweetness and vibrant orange flecks throughout the bars.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the structure; whole wheat flour works for a nuttier, heartier texture.
- Almond flour (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor, helping keep the bars tender.
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the flavors with gentle sweetness and depth.
- Unsweetened applesauce (1/3 cup): Acts as a natural binder and moisture enhancer, perfect for vegan baking.
- Melted coconut oil or vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the bars delectably soft and adds a hint of richness.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Offers natural sweetness with a signature maple warmth.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the batter with an inviting aroma and enhances overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice for that classic carrot cake warmth.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle earthiness and spice complexity.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and become tender.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with baking soda to give the perfect fluffy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/3 cup, optional): Adds delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- Dairy-free cream cheese frosting: Use store-bought or whip up your own with vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the perfect creamy finish.
How to Make Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper so the bars come out easily once baked—this small step makes a big difference for neat slices later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This dry mix ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key to even baking and flavor balance.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir the applesauce, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. This mixture is where the natural sweetness and moisture come from, replacing eggs and dairy traditionally found in carrot cakes.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredient bowl and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the bars tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Fold in Carrots and Nuts
Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts if you’re using them. The carrots add vibrancy and moisture while the nuts provide texture and an extra layer of flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This tells you the bars are perfectly cooked—moist but firm.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before spreading the dairy-free cream cheese frosting. This ensures the frosting won’t melt and will hold its creamy texture beautifully.
How to Serve Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly sprinkle chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting for a prettier presentation and a little extra crunch. Toasted coconut flakes can also add a lovely tropical twist.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of chai tea or a cold glass of almond milk to complement the spices and sweetness. A fresh fruit salad with citrus flavors also pairs wonderfully, adding a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares for party platters or stack them between parchment paper for a cute layered dessert jar. You can also drizzle a little maple syrup or coconut caramel sauce over the frosting before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
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 keeps them fresh and maintains the creamy texture of the frosting without drying out the bars.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy as if freshly made.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the bars warm, simply remove the frosting and microwave the bar for 15-20 seconds. Add the frosting back on after warming or enjoy plain for a comforting treat.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works perfectly to make this Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.
What can I substitute for the applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce, mashed ripe banana or pumpkin puree can be great alternatives, adding a slightly different but delicious flavor and moisture.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Simply omit the chopped walnuts or pecans, and use a nut-free flour blend if desired. The almond flour can be replaced with extra all-purpose flour or oat flour to keep it nut-free.
Can I make the frosting from scratch?
Definitely, and it’s quite simple! Blend vegan cream cheese with powdered sugar and a little vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Adjust sweetness to your preference for a perfect homemade touch.
How long do these bars last at room temperature?
Since they contain dairy-free frosting and fresh ingredients, it’s best to keep them refrigerated. At room temperature, they can last about 1 day but are best within a couple hours for safety and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to treats because it marries wholesome ingredients with irresistible flavor and texture. The ease of preparation, combined with the cozy spices and creamy frosting, makes it a perfect dessert or snack that feels like a hug in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with friends and family—you’re going to love the vibrant flavors and tender crumb as much as I do!
Print
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 soft, moist, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Packed with shredded carrots, chopped nuts, and sweetened naturally, they’re topped with a creamy dairy-free frosting for a wholesome yet indulgent treat. Ideal for spring gatherings, lunchbox snacks, or anytime you crave a healthier dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
Optional Additions
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Frosting
- Dairy-free cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade with vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the 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 Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg ensuring they are evenly combined for uniform flavor and texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined to avoid overmixing which can result in dense bars.
- Fold in Carrots and Nuts: Gently fold in the grated carrots and optional chopped walnuts or pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and Spread Batter: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Frost and Serve: Once fully cooled, spread the vegan cream cheese frosting evenly over the bars, then slice into 9 squares and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Optional: Add raisins or shredded coconut to the batter for additional texture and flavor.
