Save to Pinterest Moist, chewy oat bars combining the flavors of peanut butter and carrot cake make for a yummy breakfast or healthy snack. Each bite offers comforting spice, gentle sweetness, and hearty oats.
I first made these oat bars on a weekend morning when I wanted something nutritious but satisfying for my family. They loved the soft texture and how the peanut butter melded perfectly with carrot and spice.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: 2 cups
- Whole wheat flour: 1 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1½ tsp
- Ground ginger: ½ tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ tsp
- Baking powder: 1½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Creamy peanut butter: 1 cup
- Maple syrup (or honey): ½ cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Unsweetened applesauce: ⅓ cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Finely grated carrots: 1½ cups (about 2 medium)
- Raisins (optional): ½ cup
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): ⅓ cup
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl whisk together peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet with Dry:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in Add-Ins:
- Fold in grated carrots, raisins, and nuts if using.
- Spread and Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice:
- Allow to cool completely in the pan. Remove using the parchment then slice into 12 bars.
Save to Pinterest Serving these oat bars often sets the stage for relaxed conversations at breakfast. The kids like to help drizzle honey and add Greek yogurt on their own pieces.
Required Tools
You'll need mixing bowls, a whisk, a box grater for carrots, a 9x9-inch baking pan, parchment paper, and a spatula for easy batter spreading.
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts, eggs, and tree nuts if using nuts. Bars include gluten so check labels for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each bar has about 210 calories, 10 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Try these bars warm or chilled. They're excellent for meal prep and make a wholesome grab-and-go treat for busy mornings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup as the sweetener. The bars will still hold together well and taste delicious.
- → Are nuts necessary for this dish?
No, chopped walnuts or pecans are optional. You can omit them or try other add-ins, like dates or dried cranberries, for variety.
- → How do I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- → What can I serve with oat bars?
Top with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or enjoy with fresh fruit for a more filling snack or breakfast.
- → Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats give a chewier texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. The bars may be slightly softer if you make this substitution.
- → Are these bars gluten-free?
This version uses whole wheat flour, so it contains gluten. For gluten-free bars, substitute with a gluten-free flour mix.