Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: The Ultimate Dessert

If you’re craving a classic dessert with a healthier twist, these Decadent Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect treat! Moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars offer all the indulgence of carrot cake without the guilt. Whether for a party or a weekday snack, these carrot cake bars are sure to please.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup brown sugar substitute (like Swerve or Truvia)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, oil, brown sugar substitute, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using).

Bake the Bars

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar substitute, vanilla extract, and almond milk, and mix until creamy.

Frost and Slice

1. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled carrot cake bars.
2. Cut into 12 equal-sized bars and serve.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~130
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: 4–6 (depending on your plan)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthy Ingredients: The applesauce and whole wheat flour keep these bars light yet moist, while the reduced-fat cream cheese adds richness to the frosting.
2. Perfectly Spiced: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the classic carrot cake flavor.
3. Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like shredded coconut, pecans, or even a handful of pineapple bits.

Tips for Success

1. Grate Your Carrots Finely: This ensures the carrots blend seamlessly into the batter, making the bars moist and flavorful.
2. Let Bars Cool Completely: Frosting too soon can cause the cream cheese to melt. Patience is key!
3. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add a touch more powdered sugar substitute to the frosting.

Serving Suggestions

These carrot cake bars are delightful on their own, but you can pair them with:

• A cup of hot tea or coffee.
• A dollop of fat-free whipped topping for extra indulgence.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual bars (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

These Decadent Carrot Cake Bars deliver all the flavor of your favorite carrot cake without the extra points. The tender cake, perfectly spiced and topped with creamy frosting, makes for a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Try them today for a satisfying and health-conscious dessert!