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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
- Wet Ingredients Blend: Whisk applesauce, sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
- 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.
- Flavor Enrichment: Delicately incorporate grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps stabilize the texture.
- 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.
- 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