These carrot cake oatmeal bars are a delightful blend of hearty oats, sweet carrots, and warm spices, creating a nutritious and satisfying snack or breakfast treat. They capture the essence of carrot cake in a convenient bar form, offering a perfect balance of flavor and wholesome ingredients. Ideal for on-the-go snacking, a quick breakfast, or a healthy dessert, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• • This includes grating the carrots, mixing the wet and dry ingredients, and preparing the baking pan.

Cook Time: 30 minutes

• This is the baking time for the oatmeal bars.

Total Time: 50 minutes

• This includes all preparation and cooking time.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)

• • 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey

• • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted or unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs or 2 flax eggs (for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds or flax seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. 1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:

      • • Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
        • Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

   2. Combine Wet Ingredients:

      • • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil or butter, eggs or flax eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

   3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

      

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      • • In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to blend.

   4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

      • • Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

   5. Add Carrots and Optional Ingredients:

      • • Fold in the grated carrots, raisins or dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, and chia seeds or flax seeds (if using).

   6. Bake the Bars:

      • • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
      • Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   7. Cool and Cut:

      • Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or bars.
      • Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into desired sizes.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 12 servings):

• • Calories: 220-280
  • Protein: 5-7g

• • Fat: 10-14g
  • Carbohydrates: 30-38g
  • Fiber: 5-7g

• Sugar: 12-18g

The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:

Oatmeal bars have long been a staple in healthy snacking, offering a convenient and nutritious option for those on the go. The addition of carrots and spices transforms these bars into a delightful treat reminiscent of carrot cake, a beloved dessert with roots in medieval Europe. Carrot cake itself gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, becoming a classic dessert for celebrations and gatherings. The combination of sweet carrots, warm spices, and a moist texture has made it a favorite among many. The adaptation of these flavors into oatmeal bars allows for a healthier, grab-and-go version of this classic dessert. The bars provide a balance of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, making them a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. Their versatility and ease of preparation have contributed to their widespread appeal, making them a staple in many households seeking a wholesome and delicious snack or breakfast option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• • Convenient and Portable: Perfect for on-the-go snacking, lunchboxes, or a quick breakfast.
  • Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from oats, carrots, and nuts.

• • Delicious Flavor: Captures the essence of carrot cake with warm spices and sweet carrots.
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable with various additions like dried fruits, nuts, and seeds.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it a breeze to prepare.

Health Benefits of:

• • Fiber-Rich: Oats and carrots provide ample fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.
  • Vitamin A: Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, essential for vision and immune function.

• • Antioxidants: Carrots, spices, and nuts offer antioxidants that protect against cell damage.
  • Healthy Fats: Nuts and coconut oil provide healthy fats that support heart health.
  • Sustained Energy: Oats provide sustained energy, keeping you full and satisfied.

Serving Suggestions of:

• • Breakfast On-the-Go: Grab a bar for a quick and nutritious breakfast.
  • Snack Time: Enjoy a bar as a mid-morning or afternoon snack.

• • Lunchbox Treat: Pack a bar in your lunchbox for a healthy dessert or snack.
  • Post-Workout Fuel: Refuel with a bar after a workout for sustained energy.
  • Dessert Alternative: Serve as a healthier dessert option.

Tips:

• • Grate Carrots Finely: Finely grated carrots ensure even distribution and a tender texture.
  • Use Ripe Applesauce: Ripe applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture.

• • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in tough bars; mix until just combined.
  • Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
  • Store Properly: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Variations to Try:

• • Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle a cream cheese glaze over the cooled bars for added richness.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.

• • Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle coconut flakes on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a more intense spice flavor.
  • Vegan Option: Use flax eggs and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan version.

Conclusion:

These carrot cake oatmeal bars are a delicious and nutritious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their simple preparation and customizable ingredients, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• • Can I use steel-cut oats?
    • No, steel-cut oats require longer cooking and will not work well in this recipe. Use rolled oats or quick-cooking oats.
  • Can I use a different sweetener?
    • • Yes, you can use honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar as alternatives to maple syrup.
  • Can I make these bars gluten-free?
    • Yes, ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.

• • Can I freeze these bars?
    • Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
  • Can I add other fruits or nuts?
    • • Absolutely! Feel free to add dried cranberries, chopped dates, or other nuts like almonds or walnuts.
  • How do I make flax eggs?
    • Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.

• • Can I use vegetable oil instead of coconut oil or butter?
    • Yes, you can use vegetable oil, but coconut oil or butter adds a richer flavor.
  • How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
    • • Ensure you line the pan with parchment paper and leave an overhang for easy removal.
  • Can I use almond flour in this recipe?
    • While you can incorporate some almond flour, this recipe is formulated for rolled oats. Substituting all the oats for almond flour will change the texture and baking time.

• How long do these bars last?
  • They will last for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.