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Luscious Carrot Bars Recipe – Easy Dessert

Luscious Carrot Bars Recipe – Easy Dessert

Description

Welcome, dear readers! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both healthy and indulgent, then you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re making Luscious Carrot Bars with Maple Frosting, a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. These bars offer the goodness of fresh carrots, combined with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and are topped with a heavenly maple frosting that will have you coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy dinner, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can make these carrot bars with maple frosting!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Carrot Bars:

  • 1 cup finely grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Maple Frosting:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon for garnish

Feel free to make substitutions where necessary. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or a non-dairy butter substitute for both the bars and frosting.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will ensure your carrot bars don’t stick and are easy to remove once they’re baked.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined, and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the batter just comes together—be careful not to overmix, as this could result in denser bars.

Step 5: Bake the Carrot Bars

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Maple Frosting

While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the maple frosting over the top. If you like, garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon or a few grated carrot shavings for a decorative touch. Cut the bars into squares and serve!

Equipment

Notes

  • Fresh Ingredients: Using freshly grated carrots will give your bars a more natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Room Temperature Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before preparing the frosting to ensure it mixes smoothly.
  • Spices: Don’t skimp on the spices! Cinnamon and nutmeg are key to bringing out the warm, comforting flavors of the bars.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/carrot-bars-with-maple-frosting/