Chewy bars with peanut butter, carrot, oats. Simple to prepare and great for a healthy breakfast or snack.
# Components:
→ 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)
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are covered for easy removal.
02 - Combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until evenly blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, maple syrup or honey, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix using a spatula until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
05 - Fold in the grated carrots, raisins, and chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
06 - Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
07 - Place the pan in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
08 - Allow the oat bars to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment paper, then cut into 12 evenly sized bars.
