Healthy Carrot Cake Bars for Toddlers
Healthy carrot cake bars made with oats and yogurt for a soft, fluffy texture. These toddler-friendly carrot cake bars are naturally sweetened, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a healthier dessert.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oats blended into flour, or 1 ½ cups of oat or all-purpose flour (GF if needed)
- 1 cup grated carrots about 2 medium carrots
- 2 eggs can sub flax eggs: 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoon water
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt dairy-free yogurt or cottage cheese also works
- ¼ cup olive or avocado oil or melted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup can sub with applesauce or ripe banana for no added sugar, or use 2 tablespoon for less sweetness
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon measure with your heart
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice optional, can use extra cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ teaspoon salt pinch, can omit
Cream Cheese Cottage Frosting
- ½ cup cottage cheese blend until smooth
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- If using oats, blend into a very fine oat flour (this is key for a soft, cakey texture).
- In the blender, add the eggs, yogurt, maple syrup, oil, vanilla, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently mix in the grated carrots and raisins, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature! Top with cream cheese icing for added fun and flavor!
Notes
Top with yogurt cream cheese "icing" for added fun and flavor: ½ cup cream cheese, softened, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, omit for littles under 2), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract *make substitutions for dairy-free versions
Whisk or use hand mixer to whip together! Adjust consistency by adding milk to thin.
*if wanting to turn these bars into muffins, then pour into a silicone muffin pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean
Scroll up to see substitution options. Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
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