Healthier Carrot Snack Bars

Prep Time: 30m | Cook Time: 45m | Total Time: 1h 15m | Serves

Carrots give these treats a natural moistness. Studded with coconut, raisins and pecans, they make a perfect pick-me-up snack for any time of the day.

We’ve modified our original recipe to create a healthier alternative with less sugar and butter, and an extra nutrient boost from ground flaxseeds. We think this new version is every bit as delicious!

This recipe makes 12 bars, which can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup grated carrots (firmly packed)
1 cup sweetened shredded or flaked coconut
3/4 cup Earthbound Farm Organic Raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 large eggs
2/3 cup canola oil
4 ounces Applesauce (preferably organic)
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
2 tablespoons agave syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.

Butter the bottom and sides of a 9 or 10-inch square baking pan. Line the bottom with a piece of parchment paper. Set aside.

Place the flours, sugar, flaxseed, cinnamon, baking powder and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the carrots, coconut, raisins and pecans (if using), and stir to blend.

In another small bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, applesauce, melted butter, agave and vanilla. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until combined.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake until the top is golden brown, the sides have pulled away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes.

Let the pan cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then turn out and let the cake finish cooling on the rack. Cut into 12 bars to serve.