Dive into the rich flavors and irresistible texture of these Carrot Coffee Cake Bars topped with a silky cream cheese frosting. Combining the earthy sweetness of carrots with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a crunchy streusel topping, these bars are a perfect treat for any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This: These cake bars strike a delightful balance between moist cake and crunchy topping, with the creaminess of the frosting adding a luxurious touch. They’re packed with the goodness of carrots and nuts, making them a somewhat wholesome option for a dessert or a coffee break.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for brunches, tea parties, or as a comforting snack, these bars can be served at casual gatherings or during festive occasions. They're also great for packing into lunchboxes as a special treat.
Decoration Tips: For a stunning presentation, sprinkle some additional chopped nuts over the frosted bars, or add a light dusting of cinnamon for extra flair. The contrast of the creamy frosting with the textured streusel makes these bars not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Ingredients:
- 200g shredded carrots
- 95g coconut sugar
- 32g olive oil
- 42g butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 120g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped walnuts, optional
Streusel:
- 52g butter, melted
- 60g all-purpose flour
- 67g coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Streusel:
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter with flour, coconut sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Stir in the chopped nuts and refrigerate.
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 7x7 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and coconut sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Stir in the shredded carrots and olive oil.
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fold the ingredients together until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chilled streusel evenly over the top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- While the cake bakes, blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Finish and Serve:
- Let the cake cool, then spread the cream cheese glaze over the top. Cut into bars and serve.
Enjoy these delightful Carrot Coffee Cake Bars with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a personal treat!