Healthy Carrot Oatmeal Bars
These carrot oatmeal bars are a hit in our house. They are not only delicious but also healthy, energizing, and filling. They are perfect for breakfast because they are super filling and have wholesome ingredients. Otherwise, they can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert (don’t forget to make yourself a cup of tea or coffee).
Whether you are looking for a healthy breakfast alternative to your regular oatmeal, or are just hunting for a healthy snack or dessert, these Carrot Oatmeal Bars will tick the box. They are perfectly sweet, a little crunchy, moist, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
The main ingredients for this recipe are:
– Oats are used instead of regular flour to provide more nutrients,
– dates are my to-go replacement for regular sugar (they have fiber and a laxative effect which makes them wholesome, read more here),
– nuts, seeds, and raisins for energy,
– and carrots are the “hidden” veggies that provide sweetness and lots of nutrients for your body (and soul).
These bars are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite add-ins, like almonds, cranberries, or a touch of spice. If you have any nuts, seeds, or dried fruits in the pantry that need to be used up, this recipe is for you.
Why I love these Carrot Oatmeal Bars?
Best carrots for the Carrot Oatmeal Bars
Honestly, any type of carrot will work for this recipe, regardless of its color or whether it’s organic. On top of that, you can even experiment with different veggies/fruits. For example, you can try using zucchini, beetroot, apples, or even sweet potatoes. Just make sure to remove excess water from the “watery” fruits/veggies such as zucchini or apples.
I prefer using organic carrots because I find they are more intense in smell, color, and taste. The smell of freshly grated carrots is so much more intense if using the organic ones.
Expert tip: When preparing the carrots, wash & peel one more extra carrot and snack on it.
How to store these bars?
In the fridge. If you plan to eat these bars throughout the week as a breakfast or snack, the best way to store them is in the fridge. Once they are completely cool, just place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They last 4-5 days.
In the freezer. How I like to do it is to place a few of these bars in the freezer. Then, when I am craving something filling and nourishing (usually after breakfast when I like to drink a cup of coffee or matcha), I thaw one in the oven and in 10 minutes it’s ready.
At room temperature. If you plan to eat these within 2 days, leave them on the counter.
More recipes you might enjoy:
– Buckwheat banana bread
– Black bean muffins
– Sweet potato cookies
Tips & tricks
Video instructions on Carrot Oatmeal Bars
Healthy Carrot Oatmeal Bars
Equipment
- Blender
- Baking dish 8×11 inches / 20×28 cm
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 1 cup oats use gluten-free if necessary
- 2 tbsp rice flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup walnuts
Wet ingredients
- 2 flax eggs made by combining 2 tbsp flax seeds and 6 tbsp water
- 12 juicy and soft dates
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 medium carrots grated
Instructions
- Start by blending the oats until they become oat flour.
- Add them to a large mixing bowl alongside the other dry ingredients: rice flour, salt, raisins, cinnamon, baking powder, and crushed walnuts.
- Create the flax egg by mixing the flaxseeds and water. Set aside.
- Peel and remove the seeds from the apple. Add it to the blender along with the dates, and coconut oil. Blend until smooth.
- Add your flax eggs, the date mixture, and the grated carrot to a bowl and combine everything.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and combine.
- Place the batter into a baking dish. Spread evenly. Add some crushed walnuts on top and press them slightly into the batter.
- Bake for about 35 minutes at 350 F/ 180 C.
- Let it cool and cut it into squares/rectangles. Enjoy!
