"Frosted" Carrot Bars
Sweet and moist carrot bars with a hint of cinnamon and nuts, topped with a creamy frosting. Perfect for dessert, tea, or a nutritious snack for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the eggs, sugar, and salad oil together until well blended.
- Add the flour, baby food carrots, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda; mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half vegetable oil and half applesauce as a substitute for salad oil. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor. Make sure to use finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to prevent them from sinking in the batter. For an alternative twist, try adding a cup of crushed pineapple for moisture and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These frosted carrot bars are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. They also make a great dessert after a hearty meal, perhaps alongside dishes from American recipes or vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover carrot bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) until slightly warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Frosted" Carrot Bars contains roughly 577 calories, with 4g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1464mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh grated carrots instead of baby food?
Yes, you can use fresh grated carrots! You'll need about 3 cups of grated carrots to match the amount in the jars. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a soggy batter.
What can I use for frosting?
A cream cheese frosting complements these bars beautifully. Simply mix together 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of butter, and 4 cups of powdered sugar. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make these carrot bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the baking powder and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free to ensure the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).