Moist Spiced Carrot Cake Bars
Indulge in these moist and flavorful carrot cake bars, perfect for breakfast or a snack on the go! Featuring a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flours, this recipe creates a dense yet delightful texture that doesn't rise much but promises a deeply satisfying bite. With the aromatic spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, each bite is a warm hug. The bars are loaded with sweet shredded carrots and crushed pineapple, which contributes to their inherent moisture. You can customize them by omitting nuts and raisins for a simpler taste, yet their rich flavor shines through. Ideal for sharing, these delicious bars are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a heart-healthy treat packed with natural sweetness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
Whole wheat flour
1 cup (sifted)
Ground cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
Ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Egg whites
6 (room temperature)
Sugar
1 1/3 cups (none)
Unsweetened applesauce
1 cup (none)
Buttermilk
1/2 cup (none)
Vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Crushed pineapple
1 (8 ounce) can (undrained)
Shredded carrots
2 cups (freshly shredded)
Chopped walnuts
2/3 cup (optional)
Raisins
1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13" X 9" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Mix well and set aside.
3
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the sugar while continuing to beat until well combined and fluffy.
4
Gently fold in the unsweetened applesauce, buttermilk, and vanilla extract into the egg white mixture until smooth.
5
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6
Carefully fold in the crushed pineapple, shredded carrots, and if desired, walnuts and raisins, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
7
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars. These bars are delightful unfrosted but can be optionally paired with cream cheese frosting if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Moist Spiced Carrot Cake Bars?
These are flavorful carrot cake bars made with a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flours, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
What is the texture of these carrot cake bars?
The texture is dense yet delightful; they do not rise much but provide a deeply satisfying bite.
Are these carrot cake bars healthy?
Yes, they are considered a heart-healthy treat that uses whole wheat flour and is packed with natural sweetness from carrots and pineapple.
Can I eat these for breakfast?
Absolutely! They are perfect for breakfast or as a snack on the go.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is needed?
A 13" X 9" baking pan is required for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Spray the baking pan with non-stick cooking spray before pouring in the batter.
What types of flour are used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of whole wheat flour, both sifted.
How should the egg whites be prepared?
Beat 6 room-temperature egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until fluffy.
What makes the bars moist?
The moisture comes from a combination of unsweetened applesauce, buttermilk, shredded carrots, and undrained crushed pineapple.
Should the crushed pineapple be drained?
No, the crushed pineapple should be used undrained to add moisture to the bars.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, chopped walnuts and raisins are optional add-ins for extra texture and flavor.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
How long do the bars take to bake?
They take approximately 40 minutes in the oven.
How can I tell if the bars are finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bars are done.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them.
Can I add frosting to these bars?
While they are delightful unfrosted, they can be optionally paired with cream cheese frosting.
How many egg whites are needed?
The recipe requires 6 egg whites.
What is the quantity of carrots needed?
You will need 2 cups of freshly shredded carrots.
Is there any butter or oil in this recipe?
No, the recipe uses unsweetened applesauce and buttermilk as substitutes for traditional fats.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of sugar.
What is the role of buttermilk in this recipe?
Buttermilk helps create a tender crumb and adds to the overall moisture of the bars.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
What type of applesauce should I use?
Use 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce for the best results.
Can I omit the nuts if I have an allergy?
Yes, the chopped walnuts are optional and can be easily omitted for a nut-free version.
How much vanilla extract is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Should I overmix the batter?
No, you should stir until just combined to avoid making the bars too tough.
What is the amount of baking soda used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
Can I use store-bought shredded carrots?
Freshly shredded carrots are recommended for the best moisture and texture, though store-bought can be used in a pinch.