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
- 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
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the shredded carrots.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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!