Carrot Cake Bars

Name: Carrot Cake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 medjool dates (, pits removed (about 5.5 ounces)); 2 cups shredded carrots ((from about 5 medium carrots)); 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 cup raisins; 1 teaspoon double-strength vanilla extract ((or 2 tsp. regular)); 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour (, white whole wheat flour, or gluten-free flour (such as brown rice flour)); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts ((optional))