Name: Vegan Carrot Cake Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

These soft and spiced vegan carrot cake bars are a delightful healthy dessert option that doesn't compromise on flavor. Made with nutrient-dense almond flour and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, these bars capture all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional carrot cake in a wholesome, plant-based package.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These vegan carrot cake bars strike the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. They're entirely plant-based and free from refined sugars, making them suitable for various dietary preferences. The almond flour base creates a moist, tender texture while providing a boost of protein and healthy fats. These bars are quick to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time, and they're versatile enough to serve as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or satisfying dessert. The natural sweetness from maple syrup and carrots means you can enjoy a delicious baked good without the sugar crash that often follows conventional desserts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Almond flour forms the foundation of these bars, providing a moist, tender crumb and subtle nutty flavor. It's naturally gluten-free and adds protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making these bars more nutritious than traditional flour-based treats.

Baking soda acts as the leavening agent in this recipe, helping the bars rise and achieve their perfect texture despite the absence of eggs.

Ground cinnamon brings that quintessential warm, spicy flavor that defines carrot cake. It works beautifully with the natural sweetness of the carrots and maple syrup.

Ground nutmeg adds depth and complexity to the spice profile, complementing the cinnamon with its aromatic, slightly sweet quality.

Sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the recipe. Even in desserts, a touch of salt is essential for a well-rounded flavor profile.

Maple syrup serves as the natural sweetener, bringing rich caramel notes and moisture to the bars. Its distinctive flavor pairs perfectly with the spices and carrots.

Coconut oil provides the necessary fat content that gives these bars their tender texture. When melted, it integrates seamlessly with the other wet ingredients.

Flaxseed meal acts as an egg replacement in this vegan recipe. When mixed with the liquid ingredients, it forms a gel-like consistency that helps bind the bars together.

Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness while reducing the need for additional oil. It's a staple ingredient in many vegan baking recipes for its binding properties.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic qualities that complement both the spices and the natural sweetness.

Shredded carrots are the star ingredient, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature carrot cake flavor and texture. They also add nutritional value with vitamins and fiber.

Chopped walnuts offer a pleasant textural contrast with their satisfying crunch. They also contribute healthy omega-3 fatty acids and can be omitted for those with nut allergies.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, flaxseed meal, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 9 generous bars, making it perfect for a family dessert or a small gathering. Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, with a baking time of 25-30 minutes. Allow additional time for cooling before cutting, bringing the total time from start to serving to about 1 hour. Each bar contains approximately 140 calories, making it a reasonably light dessert option.

Variations

Spice Blend Variations: Experiment with adding a pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or allspice to create your unique spice blend.

Frosting Option: For a more decadent treat, top with vegan cream cheese frosting made from vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla.

Add-In Options: Include raisins, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for additional texture and flavor dimensions.

Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweeter, more indulgent version.

Protein-Packed Version: Add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla plant-based protein powder to the dry ingredients for a post-workout snack.

Superfood Boost: Incorporate a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp hearts for added nutrients and omega fatty acids.

Citrus Twist: Add orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavor profile with citrus notes.

Storage/Reheating

These vegan carrot cake bars store exceptionally well, maintaining their moisture and flavor for several days. Here's how to keep them at their best:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration: For extended freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The bars will firm up slightly when chilled.

Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag. This allows for convenient single-serving defrosting.

Reheating: While these bars are delicious cold or at room temperature, you can gently warm them if desired. Microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. For frozen bars, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestion: For a special touch, warm a bar slightly and serve with a dollop of coconut yogurt or a drizzle of almond butter.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

While you can substitute all-purpose flour, it will significantly change the texture and nutritional profile of these bars. If making this substitution, reduce the amount to 1¾ cups and be aware that the bars will no longer be gluten-free or paleo-friendly. You may also need to adjust the liquid ingredients as almond flour absorbs moisture differently than wheat flour.

How do I know when the carrot cake bars are done baking?

The most reliable method is the toothpick test - insert a toothpick into the center of the bars, and it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The bars should also be lightly golden around the edges and slightly firm to the touch in the center.

Can I make these without nuts due to allergies?

Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy, substitute the almond flour with oat flour (certified gluten-free if needed) or a gluten-free flour blend. Skip the walnuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture and nutrition.

How finely should I shred the carrots?

Medium shredding is ideal - you want pieces small enough to cook through but large enough to provide that signature carrot cake texture. Using the standard side of a box grater works perfectly. Avoid pre-shredded carrots from the store as they tend to be dry and lacking in flavor.

Can I reduce the amount of maple syrup to make these less sweet?

Yes, you can reduce the maple syrup to 3 tablespoons if you prefer a less sweet treat. Consider adding an extra tablespoon of applesauce to maintain moisture. You might also increase the cinnamon slightly to enhance the perceived sweetness without added sugar.

Why use flaxseed meal in this recipe?

Flaxseed meal acts as an egg substitute in vegan baking. When combined with liquid, it forms a gel-like consistency that helps bind the ingredients together, similar to how eggs function in traditional baking. This "flax egg" provides structure while adding beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Can I add pineapple like in traditional carrot cake?

Yes! Crushed pineapple makes a wonderful addition to these bars. Add ¼ cup of well-drained crushed pineapple when folding in the carrots. You may need to extend the baking time by 3-5 minutes to account for the extra moisture.

How can I make these bars oil-free?

To make these bars oil-free, replace the coconut oil with an equal amount of additional unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana. The texture will be slightly different—more cake-like and less rich—but still delicious. You might need to bake them for an extra 2-3 minutes.

Are these carrot cake bars considered healthy?

While "healthy" is subjective, these bars contain nutrient-dense whole food ingredients like almond flour, carrots, and flaxseed. They're free from refined sugars, dairy, eggs, and gluten. They provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them a more nutritious option than traditional carrot cake. However, they should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Can I turn this recipe into muffins instead of bars?

Absolutely! This batter works beautifully as muffins. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it, fill each cup about ¾ full, and bake at the same temperature (350°F) for 18-22 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

These vegan carrot cake bars represent the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and delicious indulgence. By harnessing the natural sweetness of carrots and maple syrup, along with the rich texture of almond flour, you can enjoy a treat that satisfies cravings while aligning with health-conscious eating habits. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these bars deliver on both nutrition and flavor. Their versatility makes them suitable for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, while their make-ahead friendly nature ensures you can always have a nutritious treat ready when needed. Give these vegan carrot cake bars a try and discover how plant-based baking can be both simple and remarkably satisfying.