Wholesome oat bars with peanut butter and carrot, gently spiced for a chewy, satisfying breakfast or snack.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups rolled oats
02 - 1 cup whole wheat flour
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
09 - 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins
13 - 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
14 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
15 - 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, maple syrup or honey, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract until completely smooth.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
05 - Gently fold in the grated carrots, raisins, and nuts, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
06 - Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
08 - Allow bars to fully cool in the pan on a wire rack. Lift out using the parchment edges and cut neatly into 12 equal bars.
