Hey friends! If you’re like me and love a sweet treat without all the sugar and heavy stuff, these Healthy Carrot Cake Bars are for you. They’re soft, chewy, and full of cozy flavor like a warm hug in snack form! Best part? No flour, no eggs, no dairy, no artificial sugar. Just real, wholesome ingredients that are good for your body and super yummy too!
Method
Blending the Ingredients
To start, place all your ingredients carrots, dates, oats, walnuts, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and optional orange zest into a food processor or a strong blender. The goal here is to pulse the mixture gently. This means pressing the pulse button in short bursts rather than letting the machine run continuously. You want everything to blend just enough so the mixture sticks together but still has a little texture. Avoid overmixing if the mixture becomes too smooth or sticky, the bars can turn out mushy and lose their nice bite.
Preparing the Baking Tray
Next, line your baking tray with a piece of baking paper. This helps prevent the bars from sticking to the tray and makes cleanup easier. Once your mixture is ready, scoop it into the tray and press it down evenly with clean hands or the back of a spoon. Try to flatten it into a smooth, level layer so it bakes evenly. You don’t want it too thick or too thin aim for about an inch in height.
Baking Time
Place your tray in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake the mixture for 15 minutes. The bars won’t rise like cake, but the heat will lightly toast the edges and help the ingredients hold together better once cooled. You’ll know they’re ready when the top looks slightly golden and firm to the touch.
Cooling and Cutting
This step is important let the bars cool completely in the tray before touching or cutting them. If you try to move them too early, they might break apart. As the bars cool, they firm up and become easier to slice. Once fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into bars or squares, depending on your preference. You can store them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for a couple of days, or pop them in the fridge for a firmer texture.
Necessary Tools
- Food processor or strong blender
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- Knife
- Measuring cups or kitchen scale
🥕 Healthy Carrot Cake Bars (Only 6 Ingredients!)
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
2 medium carrots (about 250g), peeled and chopped
8 medjool dates (about 140g), pitted
80g oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
60g walnuts
70g shredded coconut
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 1 tsp orange zest for a fresh citrus twist
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor.
- Pulse gently until the mix sticks together but still has a little texture. (Don’t blend too long or it turns into mush!)
- Line your baking tray with paper and press the mixture in evenly.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.
- Let the bars cool completely in the tray this helps them hold their shape.
- Cut into bars or squares, and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overblend. You want the bars to have a soft bite with little bits of nuts and oats, not a paste.
- Let them cool fully. Cutting them too soon can make them fall apart. Patience is key!
- Use soft, sticky dates. If your dates are too dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes before blending.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a school snack or after-school treat.
- Pair it with a glass of almond milk or warm tea.
- Drizzle a little almond butter on top for extra richness.
- These also make a great lunchbox addition no mess, no fuss!
Fun Fact
Did you know carrots used to be purple before orange ones became popular? Long ago, farmers changed the color through growing methods and now orange carrots are everywhere!
Conclusion
These Healthy Carrot Cake Bars are one of my favorite quick bakes. They’re easy, full of fiber and good fats, and super tasty without any added sugar. Plus, they’re made with just 6 everyday ingredients so no fancy stuff needed. Try them out and let me know what you think!
