Heavenly Carrot Coconut Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Indulgent and wholesome, these delectable carrot coconut delight bars with cream cheese frosting combine comfort and nutrition in every bite.

Sweet shredded carrots dance alongside toasted coconut flakes, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes these bars absolutely irresistible.

Soft, moist, and packed with warm spices, this dessert brings a delightful twist to classic carrot cake.

Each bar promises a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that melts in your mouth.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Dive into this delicious recipe and treat yourself to a slice of pure happiness.

Flavor Enhancers for Carrot Coconut Bars

• Carrot Coconut Delight Bars Cooking Tips & Variations
• Moisture Magic: Keep bars super moist by not overmixing the batter and using fresh, finely grated carrots that release natural sweetness and texture.
• Nut-Free Twist: Swap chopped nuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch without allergens, maintaining the recipe's delightful kernel-like texture.
• Frosting Flexibility: Experiment with cream cheese frosting by adding orange zest, maple extract, or a hint of ground ginger to elevate the flavor profile and surprise taste buds.
• Storage Savvy: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing soggy edges.
• Gluten-Friendly Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to create a welcoming alternative for those with wheat sensitivities, without compromising the bar's rich, comforting texture.

Carrot Coconut Bars: Serving Made Easy

• Tropical Party Platter: Create a vibrant dessert spread by arranging the carrot coconut bars alongside fresh pineapple slices and toasted coconut shavings for a stunning tropical-inspired presentation.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these delightful bars with a steaming cup of chai tea or a light herbal blend to complement the warm cinnamon and coconut flavors, perfect for a relaxed gathering with friends.
• Brunch Showstopper: Elevate your weekend brunch by placing these bars on a rustic wooden board garnished with edible flowers, fresh mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant and irresistible centerpiece.
• Gifting Treat: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with raffia or ribbon for a homemade gift that's sure to bring smiles, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or thoughtful edible presents.

How to Keep Carrot Coconut Bars Tasty

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store these delightful bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them moist and delectable. The cool environment helps maintain the cream cheese frosting's smooth texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before serving, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Simply cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for future sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
• Serving Smart Tip: Remove bars from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance the overall flavor profile. This gentle warming brings out the rich, creamy texture of the cream cheese topping.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 296 kcal

Servings: 17

Carrot Coconut Bars: What You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates a tender cake-like texture perfect for bar desserts.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt, Cinnamon: Enhance overall flavor and add warm, aromatic notes to complement the sweet ingredients.

• Applesauce, Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb in the bars.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization and texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the rich, smooth consistency.

• Carrots: Bring natural sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color to the bars.
• Coconut: Adds tropical texture and nutty flavor that complements the carrot base.
• Nuts: Provide crunch and depth of flavor (optional but recommended).
• Crushed Pineapple: Introduces tropical sweetness and extra moisture.
• Vanilla: Rounds out flavors and adds depth to the overall dessert.

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Create a rich, smooth, and tangy frosting base.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
• Vanilla: Enhances the frosting's flavor profile.

Tools for Making Carrot Coconut Bars

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients evenly without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• 10×15-inch jelly roll pan: Provides the right size and shape for baking bars.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and easy removal of bars.
• Grater: Needed for shredding fresh carrots.
• Electric mixer: Helps create smooth, creamy frosting.
• Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and spreading frosting.
• Toothpick: Useful for checking cake doneness.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting bars into neat squares.

Carrot Coconut Bars in Simple Steps

• Oven Warmup

Set your oven to a cozy 350 degrees and grab a jelly roll pan. Give it a quick spray or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Wet Magic

In a roomy bowl, whisk together applesauce, sugar, and eggs until they dance together smoothly.

• Dry Symphony

In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until they’re perfectly blended.

• Batter Harmony

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything comes together – no overmixing allowed!

• Flavor Explosion

Toss in carrots, coconut, nuts, vanilla, and pineapple. Mix until each ingredient gets a chance to shine.

• Baking Bliss

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean and happy.

• Frosting Fantasy

Whip butter and cream cheese until they’re light as a cloud. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, beating until silky smooth.

• Final Touch

Once the bars are completely cool, spread that dreamy frosting across the top. Slice into squares and get ready for a taste adventure!

Irresistible Carrot Coconut Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Carrot coconut delight bars blend tropical sweetness with classic spice in a dessert that sings of comfort. Creamy cream cheese frosting crowns these moist bars, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (standard) or 16 fl oz (American) grated carrots
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups (standard) or 16 fl oz (American) flour
• 2 cups (standard) or 16 fl oz (American) sugar
• 1¼ cups (standard) or 10 fl oz (American) unsweetened applesauce or oil
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1½ tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (standard) or 4 fl oz (American) butter, softened
• 1 lb (454 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (not drained)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
2. Wet Ingredients Blend: Whisk applesauce, sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
3. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together, then fold gently into the wet mixture to create a uniform batter.
4. Flavor Enrichment: Delicately incorporate grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
5. Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps stabilize the texture.
7. Frosting Creation: Whip softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, then blend in vanilla and powdered sugar until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
8. Final Assembly: Once bars are entirely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface in an even layer, then slice into square portions and serve.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to maintain a tender, light texture and avoid tough, dense bars.
• Moisture Matters: Applesauce and crushed pineapple add natural sweetness and keep the bars exceptionally moist and soft.
• Pan Preparation: Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars, preventing sticking and crumbling.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly and enhance frosting adhesion for perfect slicing.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 296
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg