It has become my quest in life to turn as many dishes as possible into my FAVE dessert- CARROT CAKE!!!!!!

It all goes back to that fateful night, when I dared to sample my friend's slice of cake at the local diner. I hate to admit how many years had already passed...let's just say it began with a 2. At first, I strongly questioned her desire to eat a dessert with vegetables in it. It sounded like such a waste. And then she asked that magical question, which forever changed my life- "have you ever tried it?" 

And, the rest is history. If you've never tried carrot cake- then, please let this be your invitation. Try it! You will not be disappointed!

Today, we find healthy, homemade oat bars (think granola bars) with that delicious and unmistakable flavor! The best way to describe these bars is a cross between a granola bar and a Lara bar or protein bite. Plus, who could forget the sweetened cream cheese frosting?!? Not this gal.

Granola bars are a very popular snack. They are quick, easy to grab and eat on-the-go. And they are not the worst thing in the world. I'd recommend checking the ingredient label and nutrition facts, to find the best choice. Some are made with simple, higher-quality ingredients. But, we can also make our own and have complete control over the quality and quantity of every ingredient. Prep work only takes 20 minutes. Then, we just need a tiny bit of patience while we wait for them to firm-up in the fridge.

Happy Healthy Snacking!

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Ingredients in Carrot Cake Oat Bars

• Large Carrot
• Cashews
• Old-Fashioned or Rolled Oats
• Brown Sugar
• Maple Syrup
• Butter
• Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Cinnamon

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How did carrot cake become popular in the US?

Credit is given to the Pillsbury Baking Company for adapting a recipe for carrot pudding into a carrot and spice cake. The first published recipe for a carrot cake was found in 1929, though it only gained considerable popularity in the 1960s. Part of this may have stemmed from the belief that a cake containing carrots must be healthier. 

How do I keep my oat bars from falling apart?

You need something to help bind the ingredients together. Butter, with refrigeration, and the maple syrup help to hold these carrot cake oat bars together. Other binders include honey, coconut oil, chia seeds, dates, and/or nut butters.

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