Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars

Carrot cake oatmeal bars combine the comforting flavors of carrot cake with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal, making them a perfect snack or grab-and-go breakfast option. These moist and lightly spiced bars are naturally sweetened and packed with nutritious ingredients like shredded carrots, oats, and warm spices. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a healthier dessert, these carrot cake oatmeal bars are sure to please kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Preparation

Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients

  1. In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the shredded carrots.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

  1. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. If using raisins, nuts, or shredded coconut, fold them in gently.

Bake the Bars

  1. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Slice

  1. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles.

Variations

  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
  • Frosted Bars: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or yogurt glaze on top for a dessert-like treat.
  • Extra Protein: Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder and increase the liquid slightly to maintain the right texture.

Cooking Notes

Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars

  • Grating Carrots: Use the fine side of a box grater to ensure the carrots blend well into the batter and keep the bars moist.
  • Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy as a breakfast bar alongside coffee or tea.
  • Pack in lunchboxes for a healthy mid-day snack.
  • Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a wholesome dessert.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the bars tender. Overmixing can make them dense.
  • Check for Doneness: The bars are done when the edges pull slightly away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Customize Add-Ins: Tailor the add-ins to your taste; dried cranberries or pumpkin seeds work great too.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Makes 12 Bars)

  • Calories: 120
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Fiber: 2g

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats are recommended for a chewier bite.

2. Do I need to peel the carrots?
Yes, peeling the carrots is recommended for a smoother texture and cleaner flavor.

3. Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely! Skip the nuts and replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Conclusion

Carrot cake oatmeal bars are a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a grab-and-go breakfast, a healthy snack, or a guilt-free dessert, these bars deliver every time. With their warm spices and wholesome ingredients, they bring the comfort of carrot cake in a much simpler, portable form. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a slice of goodness in every bite!

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