Description
These Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Bars are a health-conscious twist on a classic. Naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup, these moist bars are packed with warm spices and topped with a tangy, protein-rich Greek yogurt frosting. Perfect for a wholesome snack or light dessert.
Ingredients
The Spiced Cake Base
- 1 cup (148g) 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- 1 medium brown banana, mashed
- 1 heaping cup (125g) carrots, finely shredded
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Spices: 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Leavening: 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins, 1/2 cup walnuts
The Topping
- 1/2 batch Greek yogurt frosting
- Extra cinnamon, for dusting
Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch pan.
Dry Mix: Whisk flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Wet Mix: Mash banana in a large bowl. Whisk in egg, milk, oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.
Combine: Stir dry ingredients into wet until combined. Fold in carrots, raisins, and walnuts.
Bake: Bake for 28–32 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Frost: Spread Greek yogurt frosting over the cold cake. Dust with cinnamon and chill for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
The ‘Small Hole’ Secret: Finely shredded carrots release more moisture, creating a softer crumb and preventing ‘crunchy’ bits.
Banana Ripeness: Use a heavily spotted banana for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
Cooling: Yogurt frosting is heat-sensitive; the cake must be completely cold to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: gluten free carrot cake bars, healthy carrot cake recipe, greek yogurt frosting, refined sugar free dessert, banana sweetened carrot cake, easy gluten free baking