Carrot cake is one of those things in life that you either hate or love. For those who identify with the latter (including myself), there is something so uniquely comforting about the warming spices, complex textures, and subtle earthy sweetness that make carrot cake the truly delectable dessert it is. The one downside to carrot cake is that although the addition of a vegetable may elude the impression of being healthy, it is still a cake after all. But what if you could harness all that beloved carrot cake goodness into a nourishing, satisfying, and convenient grab-and-go snack? Enter—carrot cake breakfast bars!

Packed with grated carrots, golden raisins, nuts, seeds, and a warming medley of spices, these snack bars are bursting with nutrition, without needing to sacrifice the classic flavor a thick slice of carrot cake offers the tastebuds. Carrots are a fantastic source of fiber, antioxidants, and beta-carotene, which is a naturally occurring pigment that the body converts to vitamin A. Rather than the heaping cups of processed sugar that most carrot cake recipes call for, the sweetness in these snack bars is attributed to Medjool dates. Not only are Medjool dates rich in natural sugars, but they also contain a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals to keep your nutrition on track and your sweet tooth satisfied.

These carrot cake snack bars prove that wellness and indulgence can indeed go hand-in-hand. Each bite offers a mouth-watering combination of flavors and textures that are sure to evoke the comforting flavor of traditional carrot cake, all while nourishing the body and soul. Whether you’re rushing out the door and need a mini-meal to tide you over till lunchtime, are craving a late-night sweet treat, or simply want to enjoy carrot cake guilt-free 365 days a year, these carrot cake snack bars are an ideal choice.  

Carrot Cake Breakfast Bars Recipe

Makes about 12-14 bars. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic raw walnuts
• 2/3 cup organic raw almonds
• 1 cup organic Medjool dates
• 1/3 cup organic dried unsweetened pineapple
• 1/3 cup organic shredded carrots
• 1/3 cup organic golden raisins
• 1/3 cup organic unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup organic hemp seeds
• 2 Tbsp. organic chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp. organic unrefined coconut oil or organic refined coconut oil
• 1 tsp. organic sweet cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp. organic allspice powder
• 1/2 tsp. organic ginger root powder
• 1/4 tsp. organic cardamon powder
• 1/4 tsp. organic clove powder

Directions

1. In a food processor or high-speed blender, add walnuts and almonds and blend until roughly chopped.
2. Add Medjool dates and dried pineapple and pulse until loosely combined, scraping down sides as needed.
3. Next add shredded carrots, golden raisins, shredded coconut, hemp seeds, chia seeds, coconut oil, and spices. Pulse until a thick textured dough forms. Do not pulse until smooth or the bars will be mushy and sticky.
4. Transfer dough onto a square 9 x 9 parchment lined baking pan.
5. Using a rubber spatula, firmly press and evenly spread dough out until about 1 inch thick.
6. Refrigerate dough for 2-3 hours, or until firm to the touch.
7. Once set, cut into 12-14 bars.
8. Store bars in the refrigerator and use parchment paper between layering bars to avoid sticking.
9. Enjoy within one week or freeze bars for up to 3-4 months.

Pro Tips

• If you’re feeling extra fancy and want to add “frosting” to the bars, try adding a layer of unsweetened or sweetened Greek yogurt before popping the bars in the fridge. Note that the bars will be messier with this addition and would not be ideal if you’re looking for a grab-and-go snack.

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