Carrot Cake Breakfast Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand
• Naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup for balanced flavor
• Gluten-friendly option with whole wheat flour and oats for fiber
• Easy to prep and bake in under an hour
• Versatile enough to enjoy with or without the cinnamon glaze
• Perfectly portable and freezer-friendly for meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ¾ cup almond milk
• ½ cup almond butter or nut butter of your choice (peanut, sunflower, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup mashed banana (about ½ of a large banana)
• ¼ cup liquid sweetener (agave, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup)
• 1 cup grated carrot (about 2 large carrots)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
• 1½ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the frosting:

• 1 cup icing sugar
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1-2 tablespoons almond milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine almond milk, almond butter, vanilla, mashed banana, liquid sweetener, and grated carrot. Mix well.
4. Add ground flaxseed meal, rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 32-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
8. To prepare the frosting, mix icing sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add almond milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring well until you reach a thicker glaze consistency.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and allow it to harden before storing.

Optional: Skip the frosting and wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap for easy freezer storage and grab-and-go snacks.

Servings and Timing

• Makes about 12 bars
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Bake time: 32-35 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

• Substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for different flavors.
• Use gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
• Swap the cinnamon in the bars for pumpkin pie spice or ginger for a twist on the classic flavor.
• Use a cream cheese frosting alternative for a more traditional carrot cake taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, thaw frozen bars and warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or enjoy cold as a quick snack.
• If frosted, store glazed bars in the refrigerator to keep the icing firm.

FAQs

What makes these bars healthy?

These bars use natural sweeteners like banana and maple syrup, whole wheat flour, and oats for fiber, plus almond butter and flaxseed for healthy fats and protein.

Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, you can use peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or any other nut or seed butter you prefer.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Not as written because of the whole wheat flour and rolled oats. Use certified gluten-free oats and substitute whole wheat flour with gluten-free flour to make them gluten-free.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! The recipe is already vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients.

How do I store the bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely! The bars are delicious on their own and frosting is optional.

How long do these bars last in the freezer?

They can be frozen for up to 2 months if wrapped properly.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes, try adding chopped nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut for extra texture.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the batter and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Breakfast Bars offer a wholesome, flavorful start to your day with the cozy taste of carrot cake minus the guilt. Easy to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with nutrients, they’re a perfect solution for busy mornings or quick snacks. Whether you choose to frost them or enjoy them plain, these bars will become a breakfast favorite you’ll reach for time and again.

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