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Once you have your delicious batter prepared, it’s time to bake the carrot cake bars. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for creating a perfectly baked cake that is moist on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside.

Maple Glazed Carrot Cake Bars

Discover a fresh take on a classic favorite with these Maple Glazed Carrot Cake Bars. Bursting with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the wholesome goodness of grated carrots, these bars are a delightful twist on traditional carrot cake. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make and ideal for sharing. With optional ingredients like nuts and crushed pineapple, enjoy a treat that’s not only indulgent but also nutritious. Bake a batch today!
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Ingredients
  

For the Carrot Cake Bars:

2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Maple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1-2 tablespoons milk (or non-dairy milk)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until they are fully combined and aerated.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth consistency. Gently fold in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple, ensuring they are evenly mixed.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold the two mixtures together gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix. If you’re including nuts, fold them in at this point.

          Bake the Bars: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

            Prepare Maple Glaze: While the bars are cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust the glaze thickness to your liking by adding more milk to thin it out or more powdered sugar to thicken it.

              Glaze the Bars: Once the carrot cake bars are completely cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. For a more even finish, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out.

                Serve: Cut the cooled bars into squares or rectangles, as preferred, and serve. Enjoy the delightful sweetness of your Maple Glazed Carrot Cake Bars!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hour | 16 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful touch, sprinkle a few chopped nuts or a dusting of additional powdered sugar over the glazed bars before serving. Enjoy your delicious treat!