Recipe Collections
Mini Carrot and Apple Oat Bars
Original recipe: 12 servings · Prep: 15 min · Cook: 25 min · Total: 100 min
By TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished Apr 3, 2026 | Updated Oct 22, 2026
American
100 mins
easy-to-makefruit-basedvegetable-basedwhole-grainsmake-aheadbudget-friendlylunchbox-friendly
Grated carrot and apple combine with oats, applesauce and ground flaxseed in these baked bars. Press into an 8-inch square pan and cool completely before cutting into 12 bars. Estimated timing (not kitchen-tested): preparation 15 minutes; cooking 25 minutes; additional elapsed time 60 minutes; total about 100 minutes. Additional time includes the relevant cooling, chilling, soaking, marinating or resting stages. Cooling varies with room temperature and portion size. Times are planning estimates based on the instructions. Follow the stated doneness and temperature checks, and extend cooking or cooling as needed.
Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
100 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
12
- 1.5 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 cup grated apple
- 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 cup vegetable oil
- 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
-
In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and baking powder evenly.
-
Add grated carrot, grated apple, unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir well until the batter is combined and holds together when pressed.
-
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish in a layer about 1 inch thick.
-
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and the center is set but slightly soft for a chewy texture.
-
Cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment overhang.
-
Cut into 12 bars. Cool promptly in small portions and refrigerate within 1–2 hours. Use within 2 days. If reheating, reheat only once until steaming throughout, then cool to a suitable serving temperature. Discard food left on the child’s plate.
-
Serve at a suitable temperature and cut portions to suit the child’s eating skills.
Tips
Press the mixture firmly into an even layer and cool completely before cutting. Twelve bars is the recipe yield, not a recommended portion size for every child.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I cut the bars?
- Cool the baked mixture completely in its 8-inch square pan, then lift it out and cut into 12 bars.
- Can I leave out the flaxseed?
- Keep the two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in this base recipe. An equivalent binder-free version has not been established.
Storage
Cool promptly in small portions and refrigerate within 1–2 hours. Use within 2 days. If reheating, reheat only once until steaming throughout, then cool to a suitable serving temperature. Discard food left on the child’s plate.
Related Articles
Read related guides and practical cooking tips.
Recipe Collections
7 Puree and Mash Recipes
More Recipes
Explore more recipes you may like.
Healthy Snacks
Sweet Potato and Apple Snack Squares
Healthy Snacks
Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups
Healthy Snacks
Crispy Chickpea and Quinoa Nuggets
Healthy Snacks
Soft Quinoa and Banana Toddler Porridge Bars
Reviews
Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.
No reviews yet.
Save this recipe
Log in to keep this recipe in your favorites.
Reset password Register