Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
If you’re craving something moist, warmly spiced, and incredibly satisfying (yet secretly wholesome!), let me introduce you to the irresistible Vegan Carrot Cake Bars. Imagine the cozy nostalgia of classic carrot cake, but in a simple-to-make, grab-and-go bar that just happens to be entirely plant-based. Packed with carrots for natural sweetness and texture, kissed with maple syrup and spices, and so easy to customize, these bars are bound to become your new favorite treat whether it’s for breakfast, snacks, or a feel-good dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s beauty in simplicity! These Vegan Carrot Cake Bars are made from pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, each playing an important role in the flavor and moistness. The combination guarantees those classic carrot cake notes, and leaves plenty of room for you to add your personal spin.
- Grated Carrots (1 1/2 cups): Freshly grated carrots make the bars exceptionally moist and deliver gorgeous color and natural sweetness.
- Whole Wheat Flour (1 cup): Adds heartiness, a gentle nutty flavor, and a boost of fiber over all-purpose flour.
- Rolled Oats (1/2 cup): Rolled oats give a subtle chew and rustic charm, making the bars even more satisfying.
- Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness while keeping things unrefined and cozy.
- Coconut Oil, melted (1/3 cup): Keeps the bars tender and moist—don’t skip this for the perfect crumb.
- Unsweetened Applesauce (1/3 cup): Acts as an egg replacement to bind everything together and add gentle moisture.
- Maple Syrup (1/4 cup): Maple brings warm notes and balances the spice with a hint of earthy sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Infuses classic fragrant undertones that every carrot cake deserves.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Works together with baking soda to make the bars perfectly fluffy.
- Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Supports the rise and texture—essential for a light finish.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): The signature carrot cake spice! It brings warmth and coziness to every bite.
- Ground Ginger (1/2 tsp): Adds a whisper of zing and depth that pairs beautifully with carrots.
- Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Just a touch gives an unmistakable aromatic lift.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the flavors and enhances all those sweet, spicy notes.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Stir in for crunch, richness, and a little visual flair.
- Raisins (1/2 cup, optional): For bursts of fruity sweetness that take these bars over the top.
How to Make Vegan Carrot Cake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to create perfectly golden Vegan Carrot Cake Bars. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the edges overhang a bit—this makes lifting the bars out later a breeze (and saves on dishes, too!).
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your whole wheat flour, rolled oats, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures that the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed for a well-balanced bar in every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy—the applesauce blends everything together and gives the bars their signature moistness.
Step 4: Combine and Fold In the Good Stuff
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until you no longer see any flour pockets. Overmixing is the enemy of tender baked goods, so keep it gentle! Fold in the grated carrots last (along with any nuts and raisins you like). The batter should be thick and colorful, studded with fragrant flecks of carrot and all your chosen extras.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top looks set and lightly golden. Let the bars cool completely in the pan for the cleanest, most beautiful slices.
How to Serve Vegan Carrot Cake Bars
Garnishes
To take your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars from delicious to showstopping, don’t be shy with garnishes! A dollop of vegan cream cheese frosting makes them feel extra special, while a sprinkle of chopped nuts, dusting of cinnamon, or a scatter of coconut flakes can add color and crunch. Feel free to get playful—edible flowers or dried fruit look lovely, too!
Side Dishes
These bars happily steal the spotlight, but they’re also fantastic alongside a big mug of chai, a fruity green smoothie, or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for dessert. For brunch spreads, serve them with a fresh fruit platter and some dairy-free yogurt for a colorful, crowd-pleasing combo.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s so much fun to be had styling Vegan Carrot Cake Bars! For picnics, cut them into bite-sized squares and layer in parchment-lined tins. Hosting friends? Stack bars on a pretty cake stand, or package a few in twine-tied wax bags for adorable edible gifts. You can even warm them slightly and top with dairy-free whipped cream for a cozy, plated treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, store your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to 5 days—if they last that long! Keeping them chilled also makes the texture even more satisfying, especially on warm afternoons.
Freezing
Planning ahead or want to save a few bars for later? No problem! Place the cooled, sliced bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
If you like enjoying your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars warm, simply microwave individual pieces for 10–15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and a bit of softness that’s just delightful, especially if you’re topping them with anything melty or creamy.
FAQs
Can I make these Vegan Carrot Cake Bars gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the whole wheat flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose baking blend, and make sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free. The bars stay just as moist and delicious.
What’s the best way to grate the carrots?
For the best texture, grate the carrots on the finer side of a box grater. You’ll get juicy, tender shreds that blend easily into the batter—no need to peel first if your carrots are fresh and clean.
Can I omit the nuts or raisins?
Absolutely. Both are totally optional and the recipe works perfectly whether you include them or not. If you’re not a fan or need to avoid nuts for allergies, just leave them out.
Is there a substitute for coconut oil?
Yes! You can use another neutral oil, like avocado or light olive oil, or even melted vegan butter. The important thing is to choose an oil that’s mild in flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars are perfectly baked when the top looks set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them extra moist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a batch of freshly made Vegan Carrot Cake Bars. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just a little self-care, these bars always bring cozy flavors and happy smiles. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them your own—enjoy every delicious bite!
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Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and warmth. Made with wholesome ingredients like grated carrots, whole wheat flour, and a blend of aromatic spices, these bars are a healthier twist on traditional carrot cake. They are moist, flavorful, and ideal for snacking or satisfying your dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine and Fold: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins if using.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into individual servings.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, consider topping with a vegan cream cheese frosting after cooling.
- Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
