These Carrot Cake Bars offer a wholesome and delightful twist on the traditional carrot cake, transforming it into a convenient bar form that's perfect for on-the-go snacking. Packed with natural ingredients like oats, pecans, grated carrots, and dates, these bars are sweetened with maple syrup and bound together with peanut butter for a moist, chewy texture. Topped with Greek yogurt, these bars are not only delicious but also offer a boost of protein, making them a nutritious treat.
Why You'll Love These Carrot Cake Bars
- Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Full of fiber from oats and carrots, healthy fats from nuts, and natural sugars from dates and maple syrup.
- Easy to Make: These bars require no baking and can be prepared in just a few simple steps.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast, as a mid-afternoon snack, or even as a post-workout treat due to their balanced content of carbs, protein, and fats.
- Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with dates and maple syrup, these bars are free from refined sugars, making them a healthier option.
Perfect Occasion
Carrot Cake Bars are ideal for health-conscious gatherings, outdoor activities like hiking, or as a nutritious snack for school or work. They’re also great for holiday celebrations where a lighter, healthier dessert option is desired.
Decoration Tips
- Enhance with Toppings: After spreading the Greek yogurt, sprinkle additional chopped pecans and a little grated carrot on top for added texture and a pop of color.
- Serve with Style: Cut into bars and place on a nice serving tray lined with parchment paper for a rustic, inviting look.
- Additional Garnishes: Consider drizzling a little honey or maple syrup over the top before serving for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup pecans, or any preferred nuts
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 15 large soft dates
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- Greek yogurt for topping
Prepare the Mixture:
- In a food processor, blend the oats, desiccated coconut, pecans, grated carrot, dates, maple syrup, and peanut butter until well combined and the mixture holds together.
Assemble the Bars:
- Line a loaf tin with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared tin. Press it down firmly with your fingers to create a smooth, even layer.
Add the Topping:
- Spread a layer of Greek yogurt over the top of the pressed mixture.
- Sprinkle additional chopped pecans and grated carrot for garnish.
Set the Bars:
- Place the loaf tin in the freezer and freeze until the bars are set, which should take about 15 minutes.
Once set, remove the bars from the tin, slice into desired sizes, and enjoy these nutritious and delicious Carrot Cake Bars. They offer a fantastic way to indulge in the flavors of carrot cake while benefiting from wholesome ingredients!