Dreamy Carrot Coconut Delight Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

These carrot coconut delight bars combine unexpected textures and flavors that dance across your taste buds with surprising elegance.

Sweet tropical notes mingle with earthy vegetable undertones in a dessert that defies traditional expectations.

Warm spices weave through each tender bite, creating a complex sensory experience.

Delicate shredded coconut adds unexpected crunch and rich dimension to the classic treat.

cream cheese frosting provides a luxurious, silky counterpoint that melts deliciously on your palate.

Baking these bars fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises pure comfort.

The harmonious blend of ingredients promises a dessert that will become an instant favorite among anyone who tastes it.

Why You’ll Love Carrot Coconut Delight Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• These carrot coconut bars offer a simple, no-fuss baking experience that's perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, requiring minimal preparation and basic kitchen skills.
• Enjoy a magical mix of moist cake, crunchy nuts, and creamy frosting that creates an incredible sensory experience with every single bite, balancing softness and crunch perfectly.
• Loaded with carrots, coconut, and optional nuts, these bars sneak in wholesome ingredients while tasting like an indulgent dessert, making them a smart choice for health-conscious sweet lovers.
• Suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual dessert moments, these bars appeal to all ages and can be easily transported and shared without mess.

What Goes in Carrot Coconut Delight Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Primary Ingredients:

Flour Group: – All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cake bars, key for achieving the right texture.

Sugar Group: – Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Essential for sweetness and helping to caramelize the bars during baking.

Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the ingredients together and adds moisture to the recipe.

Moisture and Flavor Ingredients:

Fruit and Vegetable Group: – Carrots, Crushed Pineapple, Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and additional depth of flavor to the bars.

Coconut and Nut Group: – Shredded Coconut, Chopped Nuts: Provides texture, crunch, and complementary tropical flavor to the cake bars.

Spice and Seasoning Group:

Spice Group: – Ground Cinnamon, Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness of the bars.

Leavening Agents: – Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, tender texture.

Frosting Ingredients:

Cream Cheese Frosting Group: – Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Creates a rich, creamy topping that complements the spiced cake bars.

Baking Carrot Coconut Delight Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Get the Pan Ready

Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and give it a light spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

• Applesauce (or vegetable oil)
• Sugar
• Eggs

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and looking smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Make sure all the dry ingredients are well mixed and free of lumps.

Step 4: Marry the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix! The batter should look uniform but not beaten to death.

Step 5: Fold in the Good Stuff

• Freshly grated carrots
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped nuts (optional)
• Vanilla extract
• Crushed pineapple

Distribute these goodies evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: Craft the Creamy Frosting

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese

Beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and dreamy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and get ready to wow your taste buds!

Helpful Tips for Carrot Coconut Delight Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Master Moisture Control: Squeeze excess liquid from grated carrots to prevent soggy bars and ensure a perfectly tender texture.
• Precision in Mixing: Fold ingredients gently to maintain the cake's light structure and prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough bars.
• Temperature Trick: Let cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before making frosting to achieve ultra-smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Coconut Enhancement: Toast shredded coconut briefly before adding to intensify its nutty flavor and add delightful crunch to the bars.
• Frosting Finesse: Chill bars for 15-20 minutes after frosting to help the cream cheese set and create cleaner, more defined cut edges.

How to Keep Carrot Coconut Delight Bars Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm bars briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for soft, fresh texture. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture and prevent cream cheese frosting from separating.

Best Pairings with Carrot Coconut Delight Bars

• Brew Coffee Companions: Pair these carrot coconut bars with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the cake's warm spices and creamy frosting.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a sweet Riesling or a light Moscato to balance the dessert's sweetness and enhance its tropical coconut undertones.
• Nutty Sidekick Suggestion: Serve alongside toasted macadamia nuts or pecans to amplify the existing nut texture and add a delightful crunch that echoes the cake's nutty elements.
• Herbal Tea Harmony: Enjoy with a smooth chai tea or ginger-spiced herbal blend that mirrors the cake's warm cinnamon notes and creates a cozy flavor profile.

New Versions of Carrot Coconut Delight Bars to Try

• Tropical Carrot Coconut Bars: Replace crushed pineapple with mango chunks for a vibrant island-inspired flavor profile. Add a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
• Spiced Autumn Carrot Bars: Incorporate ground nutmeg and ginger alongside cinnamon. Swap some white sugar with brown sugar to enhance warm, deep caramel notes.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Bars: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend. Include ground flaxseed for additional nutrition and binding properties.
• Protein-Packed Carrot Bars: Mix in vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients. Reduce sugar slightly and add Greek yogurt for extra protein and moisture.

FAQs for Carrot Coconut Delight Bars with Frosting

• Can I make these bars without nuts?

Yes, you can easily omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you prefer a nut-free version.

• How long will these carrot coconut bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.

• Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese and margarine alternatives to create a dairy-free version of these delightful bars.

Carrot Coconut Delight Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mouthwatering carrot coconut delight bars bring tropical sweetness to classic dessert comfort. Creamy cream cheese frosting and nutty coconut elevate these bars, promising a delectable treat you’ll savor with pure pleasure.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 3 eggs
• 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce or oil
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 pound (454 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (not drained)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing the surface.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together applesauce, sugar, and eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
3. Separately, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in another bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Gently incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a uniform batter without overmixing.
5. Introduce grated carrots, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple into the batter, folding delicately to distribute ingredients evenly.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent baking.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should come out clean when the bars are fully cooked.
8. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps set the texture.
9. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by blending softened butter and cream cheese until light and airy.
10. Incorporate vanilla and powdered sugar into the frosting, continuing to beat until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
11. Once bars are entirely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface in an even layer.
12. Slice into square portions and serve the delightful carrot coconut bars.

Notes

• Make ahead and store these bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Swap nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a nut-free version that’s perfect for school lunches or allergy-sensitive gatherings.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese to create smoother, more evenly blended batter and frosting.
• Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the bars soggy and compromise their texture.
• Grate carrots finely for a more delicate crumb and even distribution throughout the cake bars, ensuring consistent moistness in every bite.
• Toast coconut and chopped nuts separately before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty, rich flavors and provide an extra layer of depth.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 145 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg