Carrot cake and oatmeal bars are a match made in heaven! These bars bring the warmth of classic carrot cake with the wholesomeness of oats, making them the perfect snack or breakfast option. In this post, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making carrot cake oatmeal bars, ensuring they turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
But before we begin, let me share a little story.
A Sweet Memory with Carrot Cake
Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked carrot cake. The sweet scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked carrots would instantly make me feel at home. Years later, I wanted to create a healthier version of this nostalgic treat—something that could be enjoyed on the go without losing its charm. That’s when I experimented with oatmeal bars, blending the goodness of whole grains, nuts, and shredded carrots.
Now, let’s dive into making these irresistible carrot cake oatmeal bars.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars
To make these bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- Rolled oats – 180g
- Whole wheat flour – 120g
- Baking powder – 1 tsp
- Baking soda – ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon – 1½ tsp
- Ground nutmeg – ¼ tsp
- Salt – ¼ tsp
Wet Ingredients:
- Shredded carrots – 150g
- Maple syrup – 80ml
- Unsweetened applesauce – 100g
- Greek yogurt – 120g
- Eggs – 2 large
- Vanilla extract – 1½ tsp
- Coconut oil (melted) – 2 tbsp
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans – 50g
- Raisins – 40g
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish (8×8 inches) or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine shredded carrots, maple syrup, applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Stir well until all the ingredients are blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the mixture is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the bars dense.
5. Fold in Extras
If you’re using chopped nuts or raisins, fold them into the batter at this stage for added texture and flavor.
6. Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares or bars.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Each bar (based on 12 servings) provides:
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 6g
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these bars with a cup of tea, coffee, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein.
- Storage: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Simply wrap each bar individually and thaw when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the whole wheat flour for almond flour or gluten-free oat flour.
2. How can I make these bars vegan?
Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and use dairy-free yogurt.
3. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats work best for texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they won’t soften properly.
4. What’s a good substitute for maple syrup?
You can use honey or agave syrup as a 1:1 replacement.
5. Can I add protein powder?
Yes! Add one scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder for an extra protein boost.
Thank You!
I hope you enjoyed this recipe! If you try these Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars, let me know how they turned out in the comments. Happy baking!