Carrot Oatmeal Bars With Cream Cheese Glaze

"These Carrot Oatmeal Bars with Cream Cheese Glaze are a sweet breakfast, snack, or satisfying dessert. With warm spices, whole grain oats, freshly-grated carrots and plump raisins, the easy oatmeal bars are a perfect cross between baked oatmeal, muffins, and a classic carrot cake. Pair the slightly-sweet squares with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious treat at any time of day! I found this easy recipe for carrot oatmeal bars in my mom's old recipe box. She wrote it on her friend's letterhead, so I assume that the idea originally came from our neighbor, Miss Joyce. These baked oatmeal bars go back to at least the 1980's, if not earlier! I've tweaked them a bit to give them more flavor -- including the addition of warm spices reminiscent of a classic carrot cake and a sweet cream cheese glaze -- but the base recipe remains the same. They're hearty, satisfying, and slightly sweet. I had a hard time categorizing them, because the bars are equally appropriate for a grab-and-go breakfast, a quick snack, or even a healthier dessert. "

Preparation Time15 min

Chilling Time2 hr

Cooking Time30 min

Cooking MethodOven

Cooking Vessel Size8 x 8 Baking Pan