A great one to get even young kids baking, these healthy bars are so easy to make. Just mix all the ingredients together and throw in the oven. Twenty minutes later, you have delicious oaty bars that the kids will love, and best of all they don’t contain any refined sugar. I used date syrup as a sweetener which I found in a health food shop.

I started making carrot cake oaty bars as my kids couldn’t get enough of a shop bought version that are pretty expensive. I am so glad I tried to make these, I can make more than double the amount and it doesn’t cost nearly as much.

On top of all that it’s a great activity for my daughter whilst her little brother naps. I can just about keep her attention for the whole process. She likes mixing all the ingredients, and having a cheeky lick of the spoon at the end. By the time the little one wakes up, the bars would be out of the oven and cooled ready for snack time.

Carrot Cake Oaty Bars ( Refined sugar free)

Makes 16-18 bars

Preparation 8-10min I Cooking 20 min

Note: I use cups to measure as I find it easier when baking with my daughter. I have a set similar to  these Joseph Joseph Nest Measure Measuring Cup Set, Classic – Multi-Colour, 8 Piece. They make a great toy for the kids too!

Ingredients 

Oats – 2 Cups ( 500ml)

1 Medium size carrot -finely grated

1 Apple – Peeled, cored and finely grated

1/4 Cup of Coconut oil – melted (60ml)

1/2 Cup of Date syrup (125ml)

1/2 Cup of Seeds & Dried fruit- finely chopped -I used Pumpkin & Sunflower seeds, a couple of dried apricots and a handful of sultanas (125ml)

2 eggs ( beaten)

1/2 teaspoon Mixed Spice

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Method

Preheat the oven at 180 Degrees Celcius. Line a rectangular dish ( approx 25 x 18cm) with baking parchment.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and place in your dish. Smooth with the spoon before placing in the oven for 20 minutes.

Slice and leave to cool before eating.