Golden Carrot Bars
Golden Carrot Bars are wholesome, nutrient-packed treats with sweet carrots, raisins, and warm cinnamon, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a nutritious on-the-go option.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats ⓘ
- 1 cup whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded carrots ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup maple syrup ⓘ
- 1 cup ready-to-eat flake cereal ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 egg whites ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons canola or olive oil ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, cereal flakes, flour, and baking powder.
- Stir in the carrots, raisins, and cinnamon.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the water and dry milk until smooth.
- Whisk in the maple syrup, egg whites, and oil.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with nonstick spray.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until firm to touch.
- Turn off the oven, leave in with the door ajar, and cool for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutrition. If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the maple syrup to 3/4 cup. Make sure not to overmix the batter; this helps keep the bars tender. Using fresh, finely shredded carrots enhances the flavor and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
These carrot bars make a great breakfast or snack and can be served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with yogurt or a dollop of cream cheese for added creaminess. They also complement a fresh fruit salad like Frozen Pink Clouds(Individual Salads), making for a delightful brunch spread. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a satisfying treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover carrot bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Carrot Bars contains roughly 354 calories, with 7g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of nonfat dry milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for the water and dry milk combination. Use 1 cup of milk and omit the water. This change will add creaminess and richness to the bars but may slightly alter the texture.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg whites with 1/2 cup of applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for binding. Ensure that your maple syrup and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
How can I cut these bars neatly?
To cut the bars neatly, allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for clean edges. For even easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper before pouring in the batter.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).