Calling all carrot cake lovers and oatmeal enthusiasts! This recipe combines your favorite things into one delectable treat: Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars! These wholesome bars are packed with warming spices, juicy carrots, and the comforting goodness of oats, making them the perfect guilt-free snack or breakfast on the go.

Why Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars?

• Flavor Explosion: Bursting with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these bars capture the essence of carrot cake in a convenient and portable form.
• Oatmeal Advantage: Oats provide a source of fiber and keep you feeling fuller for longer, making these bars a satisfying snack choice.
• Healthy Indulgence: Carrots’ natural sweetness, combined with a touch of honey or maple syrup, creates a delicious treat without refined sugar overload.

Ingredients (makes about 12 bars):

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats (not quick oats)
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Oatmeal Oasis: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Dry Mix Magic: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, old-fashioned oats, flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.
3. Wet Wonderland: In a separate bowl, combine the grated carrots, melted coconut oil, honey, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Unite the Crews: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold everything together until just combined. Gently stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
5. Baking Bonanza: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cooling Castle: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Tips & Tricks:

• For a sweeter bar, add a few extra tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
• Want some extra moisture? Add ½ cup of shredded apple or mashed banana to the batter.
• Don’t have nuts? No problem! Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can be used instead.
• These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for longer storage.

Ditch the boring snacks and embrace the taste of carrot cake in a healthy and satisfying way! Whip up a batch of these Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars and enjoy a delicious treat that nourishes your body and soul.