Original Carrot Snack Bars

4
Serves

Carrot gives these treats a natural moistness. Studded with coconut, raisins, and pecans, they're packed with nutrition and make a perfect pick-me-up snack anytime.

The bars will keep, stored in an airtight container, for up to 4 days.

Trying to reduce sugar and butter in your baking? Try our Healthier Carrot Snack Bars.

Ingredients

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/3 cups light brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sweetened shredded or flaked coconut
1 cup grated carrots (firmly packed)
3/4 cup Earthbound Farm Organic Risins
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.

Butter the bottom and sides of a 7 x 11-inch rectangular or a 9-inch square baking pan, then line the bottom with a piece of parchment paper. Butter the paper and set the pan aside.

Place the flours, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the coconut, carrots, raisins and pecans, and stir to blend. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, butter and vanilla. Add to the flour-carrot mixture and stir to combine.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.

Let the pan cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then turn out and let the cake finish cooling on the rack. Cut into 12 bars to serve.