wholesome and naturally sweet snack made with oats, bananas, and carrots. These soft, chewy bites are the perfect healthy treat for kids and adults alike. Easy to make and packed with nutrients, they’re ideal for breakfast, snack time, or lunchboxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, healthy ingredients with no refined sugar
- Quick and easy preparation—no mixer needed
- Kid-friendly and great for sneaking in veggies
- Naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free
- Perfect for meal prep and on-the-go snacking
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rolled oats
- Ripe bananas
- Grated carrots
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
- Chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the oats, grated carrots, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips or raisins.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bites are lightly golden and set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and timing
- Yield: 15–25 bites (depending on size)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 12–15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add dried fruit like cranberries or chopped dates for extra sweetness
- Stir in chopped nuts or a spoonful of nut butter for added texture and protein
- Use pumpkin puree instead of banana for a fall twist
- Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats
Storage/reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer freshness
- Freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months
- Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or thaw at room temperature
FAQs
What kind of oats should I use?
Rolled oats are best for this recipe as they provide a hearty texture.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Yes, it’s best to peel the carrots before grating them to remove any bitterness or dirt.
Can I make this recipe without bananas?
Bananas provide sweetness and moisture, but you can try substituting with applesauce or pumpkin puree.
Are these suitable for toddlers?
Yes, they are soft, naturally sweet, and free from added sugar, making them toddler-friendly.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder—just be mindful of the texture and adjust with a bit more banana or plant milk if needed.
Do I have to use cinnamon?
No, cinnamon is optional. You can leave it out or substitute with other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice.
Can I make these bites into bars instead?
Yes, press the mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish and bake for a few extra minutes, then slice into bars.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be a bit softer. Rolled oats are recommended for the best result.
How do I prevent the bites from being too wet?
Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated carrots if they’re very wet, and don’t use overly ripe bananas.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use two baking sheets or bake in batches.
Conclusion
Carrot Banana Oat Bites are a quick, nutritious, and customizable snack option that the whole family can enjoy. Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, they’re ideal for busy mornings, school snacks, or post-workout fuel. Keep a batch on hand in the fridge or freezer—you’ll be glad you did.
Print
Carrot Banana Oat Bites
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 12–15 bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Carrot Banana Oat Bites are healthy, naturally sweetened snacks made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, grated carrots, and oats. Perfect for breakfast or as a nutritious snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
- 1/4 cup raisins or chopped dates
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas and almond butter until smooth.
- Stir in grated carrots, oats, raisins, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well mixed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of the mixture and form into small bites or cookies on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden on the edges.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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