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Baked Oatmeal Carrot Cake Bars

Baked Oatmeal Carrot Cake Bars
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Baked Oatmeal Carrot Cake Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat that balances the heartiness of rolled oats with naturally sweet shredded carrots and warm spices. Perfect as a grab-and-go breakfast or a nourishing snack, these bars offer a moist, flavorful texture without added sugar. Versatile and easy to make ahead, they cater to various dietary preferences including gluten-free and vegan adaptations.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan version)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup freshly shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)

Optional Add-ins

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ¼ cup dried fruits such as raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger or a pinch of cloves
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening.
  3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs or flax eggs, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and freshly shredded carrots until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined. Carefully stir in optional nuts, dried fruits, spices, or chocolate chips if using.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve or store as desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh shredded carrots for maximum moisture and natural sweetness.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bars; fold ingredients gently until combined.
  • Choose rolled oats for best texture; avoid quick oats to prevent mushiness.
  • Test the bars with a toothpick starting 5 minutes before baking time ends to avoid overbaking and drying out.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked oatmeal bars, carrot cake bars, healthy breakfast recipe, gluten-free snack, vegan carrot cake, wholesome snack, energy bars

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/baked-oatmeal-carrot-cake-bars/