Vegan Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
If you’re in search of a treat that’s perfectly spiced, lusciously moist, and just wholesome enough for breakfast or dessert, these Vegan Carrot Cake Bars are about to be your new obsession! Packed with cozy cinnamon, warm ginger, and plenty of sweet carrots, each bar offers a bite of pure happiness without a lick of dairy or eggs. These bars are delightfully simple to make, crowd-pleasingly delicious, and sure to spark joy whether you’re sharing them at a brunch or sneaking a piece with your afternoon coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off these Vegan Carrot Cake Bars is easy with a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh additions that work together beautifully. Each ingredient brings a unique texture, flavor, or color, making these bars memorable and impossible to resist.
- Grated carrots: The star! Carrots add natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature carrot cake color.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the tender, soft foundation for the bars—you can use a gluten-free blend if needed!
- Rolled oats: Adds a lovely rustic texture and hearty chew to every bite.
- Brown sugar: For rich, caramel-like sweetness and a delicately soft crumb.
- Unsweetened applesauce: This keeps things moist while acting as a natural egg replacer for a fluffy result.
- Coconut oil (melted): Makes the bars lush and tender, with a subtle flavor that lets the spices shine.
- Almond milk: Adds gentle moisture to bring the batter together without weighing it down.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a lovely mellow note.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that comforting, unmistakable carrot cake aroma!
- Nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth for that classic bakery-style taste.
- Ginger: Just a touch gives the bars a gentle, vibrant zing.
- Baking powder: Helps lift and lighten the bars for a perfect texture.
- Baking soda: Teams up with baking powder for lightness and a little chew.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the spices.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: For irresistible crunch and a nutty, toasty flavor (totally optional if you prefer nut-free!)
- Raisins (optional): Little sweet pops that are classic in carrot cake—skip them if you like or swap for dried cranberries.
How to Make Vegan Carrot Cake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the sides for easy lifting later, and lightly grease it. This step keeps your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars from sticking and ensures effortless removal without any crumbled corners!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking well at this stage helps evenly distribute the spices and leavening, guaranteeing every bar is perfectly flavored and rises evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, stir together the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and nicely mixed. The applesauce provides moisture and acts as a wonderful vegan binder, while the coconut oil adds a gorgeous richness.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined—don’t overmix! Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and raisins (if you’re using them). Folding keeps the batter light and helps evenly distribute all the good stuff in every slice of your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars.
Step 5: Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a crumb or two attached. The hardest part is letting them cool completely in the pan before slicing, but trust me—it’s worth the wait for that perfect texture!
How to Serve Vegan Carrot Cake Bars
Garnishes
For an extra special flourish, spread your bars with vegan cream cheese frosting and finish with a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon. Not only does this look beautiful, but it also amps up the flavor and elegance of every bite.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic alongside a cup of strong coffee, spiced chai, or even a simple glass of almond milk. For a brunch spread, serve your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars with a big bowl of fresh fruit or a crunchy green salad with citrus vinaigrette to keep everything feeling vibrant and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter for a dessert buffet, or stack them up and tie with parchment and twine for an adorable edible gift. For parties, layer chunks of the bars with plant-based yogurt and berries in parfait glasses for a fun, deconstructed take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars will stay fresh and fabulous for up to five days. The flavors only improve as they meld together, making leftovers a tempting snack or breakfast on the go!
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Once cooled and sliced, layer them between pieces of parchment in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They’ll keep for up to three months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge, and enjoy!
Reheating
If you love a warm bar, pop one in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before serving. This gently revives the flavors and textures, and gives the bars that irresistible fresh-baked vibe, especially if you’re enjoying one with coffee or tea.
FAQs
Can I make these Vegan Carrot Cake Bars gluten-free?
Yes, absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend and double-check your oats are certified gluten-free. The bars will still turn out moist and delicious—it’s one of the best things about this recipe’s flexibility!
Do I have to use coconut oil?
If coconut oil isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with melted vegan butter or a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but your Vegan Carrot Cake Bars will still be wonderfully tender.
Can I leave out the nuts and/or raisins?
Definitely! These add great texture and flavor, but the bars are just as good without them. If you have allergies or just prefer them plain, simply omit the nuts and/or raisins and carry on with the recipe as usual.
What’s the best way to grate carrots for these bars?
Using the small holes of a box grater provides the perfect tenderness, blending right into the bars as they bake. You can also use a food processor’s shredding attachment for quick prep, just be sure you don’t over-pulse so the carrots retain a bit of texture.
How can I make these bars even more decadent?
Top cooled bars with a generous layer of vegan cream cheese frosting, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even drizzle with a simple glaze. You can also add a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips to the batter for a little extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a lifelong carrot cake lover or new to vegan baking, these Vegan Carrot Cake Bars are sure to win you over. There’s just something magical about the way the spices, carrots, and oats come together for a snack or dessert that never disappoints. Give them a try and watch these humble bars become the highlight of your week!
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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’s perfect for snacking or dessert. Moist and flavorful, they are easy to make and bursting with wholesome ingredients like carrots, oats, and nuts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Add to dry ingredients.
- Stir in mix-ins: Fold in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins if using. Spread batter in baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a frosting option, spread with vegan cream cheese frosting once cooled.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Gluten-free flour can be substituted to make these bars gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
