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Carrot Cake Breakfast Bars Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 bars
Calories 250
Delight in these wholesome carrot cake-inspired breakfast bars, packed with spices, nuts, and optional cream cheese frosting for a satisfying start to your day.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups finely grated carrots (about 200-220g)
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce (120g)
  • 0.25 cup melted coconut oil or light olive oil (60ml)
  • 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water))
  • 0.5 cup pure maple syrup or honey (120ml, use maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 125 g all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free blend)
  • 90 g whole wheat flour (or use all all-purpose flour)
  • 135 g rolled oats (old-fashioned, not instant)
  • 100 g light brown sugar (can reduce slightly if preferred)
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.75 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins

  • 60 g chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 75 g raisins or dried cranberries
  • 20 g shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 113 g cream cheese, softened (use dairy-free for vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (use dairy-free butter for vegan)
  • 120 g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 teaspoons milk or plant-based milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan and line with parchment paper.
  • Mix grated carrots, applesauce, oil, eggs (or flax eggs), maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Combine dry ingredients: flours, oats, sugar, leavening, spices, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
  • Fold wet mixture into dry ingredients. Add nuts, raisins, or coconut if desired. Pour into pan and bake 25-30 minutes.
  • Cool completely, then optionally prepare glaze by mixing cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over cooled bars and set.

Notes

Cooling thoroughly before cutting ensures clean slices. Feel free to customize add-ins for variety.
Calories: 250kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bars, Breakfast, carrot