Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carrot Veggie Bars are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while still enjoying a sweet, comforting treat. They’re easy to make in one bowl, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings or snack times. With warm cinnamon spice, subtle sweetness, and tender texture, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- grated carrots
- grated zucchini
- whole wheat flour
- rolled oats
- brown sugar
- honey or maple syrup
- unsweetened applesauce
- large eggs
- vanilla extract
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- ground cinnamon
- nutmeg (optional)
- chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
directions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the grated carrots and zucchini until evenly incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Add mix-ins (optional): Fold in the chopped nuts and/or dried fruit if using.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve or store: Slice into bars and enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container for later.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Nut-free: Skip the nuts or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Extra spice: Add ginger or cardamom for a more spiced flavor profile.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.
FAQs
Can I use only carrots or only zucchini?
Yes, you can use just one of the vegetables if that’s what you have on hand. The texture may change slightly, but the bars will still be delicious.
Do I need to squeeze the moisture out of the zucchini?
If your zucchini is very watery, give it a gentle squeeze in a paper towel before mixing. Too much moisture can make the bars too soft.
Can I make this without any added sweetener?
You can reduce or omit the brown sugar and honey/maple syrup if your bananas or applesauce are very sweet, but the flavor and texture will be milder.
What’s the best way to grate the vegetables?
Use the fine or medium holes on a box grater for a texture that blends well into the bars.
Conclusion
Carrot Veggie Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon bite, or pack them in lunchboxes, these bars are a fantastic way to sneak in veggies and whole grains without sacrificing flavor. They’re moist, lightly sweetened, and full of texture—your new go-to homemade treat!
Carrot Veggie Bars: An Amazing Ultimate Treat to Enjoy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Carrot Veggie Bars are the perfect balance of wholesome and delicious. Packed with grated carrots, zucchini, oats, and warm spices, they make a great snack, breakfast bar, or healthy treat.
Ingredients
Grated carrots
Grated zucchini
Whole wheat flour
Rolled oats
Brown sugar
Honey or maple syrup
Unsweetened applesauce
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg (optional)
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in the grated carrots and zucchini.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts and/or dried fruit, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice into bars and serve or store.
Notes
Use fine or medium holes on a box grater for the vegetables.
If zucchini is watery, gently squeeze before using.
Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
