Carrot Coffee Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Nutty, Spiced Delight

Carrot Coffee Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Nutty, Spiced Delight

Dive into the rich flavors and irresistible texture of these Carrot Coffee Cake Bars topped with silky cream cheese frosting. Combining the earthy sweetness of carrots with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped off with a crunchy streusel topping, these bars are a perfect treat any time of day.

Why you'll love it: These cake bars strike a delicious balance of moist cake and crunchy topping, with the creaminess of the frosting adding a luxurious touch. They're packed with the goodness of carrots and nuts, making them a somewhat healthy option for dessert or a coffee break.

Perfect occasion: Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a comforting snack, these bars can be served at casual gatherings or festive occasions. They are also perfect for packing in lunch boxes as a special gift.

Decorating Tips: For a stunning presentation, sprinkle a few extra chopped nuts over the frosted bars or add a light pinch of cinnamon for added flair. The contrast of the creamy frosting with the textured streusel makes these bars not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Ingredients:

• 200 g grated carrots
• 95g coconut sugar
• 32g olive oil
• 42 g melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• replaces the word nice with emptych of salt
• Chopped nuts, optional

Streusel:

• 52 g melted butter
• 60 g all-purpose flour
• 67g coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the streusel:
   • In a bowl, mix the melted butter with the flour, coconut sugar and cinnamon until you obtain a crumbly consistency. Stir in chopped nuts and refrigerate.
2. Prepare the oven and the pan:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 7×7-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
3. Prepare the cake batter:
   • In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and coconut sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Add the grated carrots and olive oil.
   • Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Fold the ingredients together until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
4. Assemble and bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle chilled streusel evenly on top.
   • Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Prepare the cream cheese frosting:
   • While the cake is baking, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
6. Finish and serve:
   • Let the cake cool, then spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Cut into bars and serve.

Enjoy these delicious Carrot Coffee Cake Bars with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a personal treat!