These SIMPLE Healthy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or nutritious dessert on the go! Prepared without any refined sugar and topped with a delightful maple cream cheese frosting.
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Attention carrot cake enthusiasts! You are going to adore this comforting and tasty healthy carrot cake bar recipe. I first introduced this recipe in 2017, but I’ve received a few remarks over the years about the bars being too crumbly and not holding together well. SO I have tested and perfected this recipe multiple times, made a few adjustments, and I’m THRILLED with how they came out! Using quick oats instead of rolled oats proved to help keep the bars intact more effectively, giving them a cake-like consistency while maintaining their shape. Crafted with nutritious ingredients and topped with a maple cream cheese drizzle, it’s like the icing on the cake!
Reasons to Love this Recipe
- These nutritious carrot cake bars are incredibly simple to prepare all in a single bowl!
- Healthier with whole grain oats, a generous portion of carrots, and completely free of butter or added sugars. Finished with a rich cream cheese frosting!
- Perfect for a quick breakfast, a midday treat, or even as healthy dessert bars.
- Ideal for Easter brunch and packed with a whole cup of shredded carrots!
Ingredients Required
- quick oats – I used Bob’s Red Mill quick-cooking oats; just ensure they are certified gluten-free if making GF bars. I don’t recommend using traditional rolled oats in this recipe since the measurements would be inaccurate as quick oats are denser when measured.
- oat flour – this aids in making the bars lighter and complements the oats perfectly. See notes below on how to create your own oat flour. You could also substitute with 1 to 1 gluten-free flour, whole wheat flour, or all-purpose flour. It’s best not to use almond flour or coconut flour in these bars.
- baking powder – serves as a leavening agent to allow the bars to rise.
- carrots – you’ll need a generous cup of shredded carrots, roughly 2 medium-sized carrots. Shred them using a box grater or food processor. Pre-grated carrots from the grocery store are acceptable as well.
- eggs – provide protein and contribute to the fluffy texture and rise of these bars.
- coconut oil – for added moisture and lightness! Feel free to swap with another oil type if you prefer or even use butter.
- sweeteners – I utilized a blend of maple syrup and cane sugar to naturally sweeten these bars without any refined sugar. You could also opt for honey, coconut sugar, or other natural sweeteners.
- vanilla extract – an extra kick of flavor.
- warm spices – a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
Feel free to include some fun mix-ins such as raisins, chia seeds, chopped walnuts, pecans, or any nuts of your choice. You could even sprinkle them on top of the maple cream cheese glaze for a tasty treat!
Instructions for Making Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars
- Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, quick oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs, maple syrup, cane sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla until well blended. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, fold in the shredded carrots, and mix until just incorporated.
- Bake the bars. Transfer the carrot cake batter into a prepared 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the edges are golden brown or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the carrot oat bars to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing and letting them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting. While the bars are cooling, add cream cheese, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract to the bowl of a stand mixer (or use an electric hand mixer) and whip on high speed until smooth. You can add more milk one teaspoon at a time to achieve your preferred creaminess.
- Finish the bars. Drizzle the healthy cream cheese frosting over the bars once they have cooled and slice them into 16 pieces. Enjoy!
How to Create Your Own Oat Flour
To create your own oat flour, simply take old-fashioned rolled oats (or instant oats) and blend them in a food processor or blender for about 60 seconds until they resemble a fine, powdery flour – and that’s all there is to it! You can certainly buy oat flour at the store, but this method saves you money, and the flour will remain fresh for up to three months in your pantry. The ratio for oat flour is one cup of oats = one cup of oat flour, making it easy to measure.
Preparation and Storage Guidelines
To Store: You can store these carrot cake oatmeal bars in a sealed, airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. I recommend keeping them in a single layer to avoid disturbing the cream cheese frosting.
To Freeze: These healthy bars freeze exceptionally well too! I suggest freezing the bars individually and taking them out to thaw as needed. When ready to enjoy, simply microwave them for 30 to 40 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature. These can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months for a convenient snack!
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I hope you all savor these Carrot Cake Oatmeal Breakfast Bars! If you adore them as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! Follow for more healthy recipes!
Dry Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
For the Frosting:
Set your oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, whisk together quick oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, cane sugar, and vanilla. Stir until fully combined.
Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, incorporate the grated carrots, and mix everything until just blended.
- Transfer the oat mixture into a lined 8×8-inch baking dish and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the carrot cake bars to cool for 5 minutes then remove from the dish and let them completely cool on a wire rack before slicing. Cutting them while too warm may cause them to crumble.
While the bars cool, add cream cheese to a small bowl and heat in the microwave for around 30 seconds. Mix in the maple syrup, a tablespoon of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla and whisk until smooth. Add more milk as needed until you achieve your desired consistency.
Cut the bars into 16 pieces and drizzle the cream cheese frosting over top, enjoy!
Serving: 1bar | Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 11.7g | Protein: 2.8g | Fat: 5.5g | Saturated Fat: 3.7g | Cholesterol: 26.1mg | Sodium: 57.1mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Title: Wholesome Breakfast Bars with Carrot Cake Flavor and Oats
Introduction:
Breakfast is frequently emphasized as the most crucial meal of the day, supplying the energy and nutrients required to jumpstart your morning. For those leading busy lives, breakfast bars present a convenient solution. Among the many flavors available, carrot cake flavored oatmeal breakfast bars stand out due to their unique taste and nutritional benefits. This article discusses the ingredients, health advantages, and a straightforward recipe to create these delectable bars at home.
Ingredients and Nutritional Profile:
Carrot cake flavored oatmeal breakfast bars blend the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweet, spiced flavor of carrot cake. Main ingredients typically include rolled oats, grated carrots, nuts, raisins, and a mix of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. These bars may also feature natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and binding agents such as almond butter or applesauce.
1. Oats: A rich source of dietary fiber, especially beta-glucan, oats assist in lowering cholesterol levels and enhancing heart health. They provide a steady release of energy, keeping you full and satisfied.
2. Carrots: Loaded with beta-carotene, carrots are excellent for eye health and impart a natural sweetness to the bars. They are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, K, and C.
3. Nuts and Seeds: Ingredients like walnuts or almonds contribute a crunchy texture and are high in healthy fats, proteins, and essential minerals such as magnesium and zinc.
4. Raisins: These dried fruits provide natural sweetness and are a great source of iron, potassium, and antioxidants.
5. Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg not only boost flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory properties and assist in regulating blood sugar levels.
Health Benefits:
Carrot cake flavored oatmeal breakfast bars are not just tasty, but they also provide several health benefits. They are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy throughout the morning. The fiber content supports digestion and encourages a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management. Furthermore, the mixture of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants promotes overall health and well-being.
Recipe for Homemade Carrot Cake Oatmeal Breakfast Bars:
Creating your own breakfast bars at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize them to your dietary preferences. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup almond butter or applesauce
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, grated carrots, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix honey or maple syrup, almond butter or applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
5. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
7. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Conclusion:
Nutritious breakfast bars with carrot cake flavor and oatmeal are a delightful way to begin your day. They provide a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, making them an ideal choice for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack. By preparing them at home, you can enjoy the benefits of wholesome ingredients while indulging in the comforting flavors of carrot cake.