Carrot-Walnut-Oat Gems

DESCRIPTION

Soft, crumbly and chewy–and brimming with grated carrot and walnuts–this recipe is deeply satisfying and makes a great portable snack– full of fiber and vitamins–that will fill you up just the right amount and also take care of your sweet tooth.

Total Time
1 Hr
Serves
16
Meal
Breakfast Snack
Course
Desserts

Total Time

Prep Time
15 Mins
Cook Time
45 Mins
Total Time
1 Hr

Nutrition

Calories
252 cal
Total Fat
17 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
12 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
97 mg
Carbohydrates
24 g
Dietary Fiber
3 g
Protein
5 g

Ingredients

  • Nonstick spray for the pan
  • 3 cups California walnut halves or pieces
  • 3/4 cup oats, rolled
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups (packed) carrot (about 1/2 pound raw carrots), finely shredded
  • 1 cup raisins, golden
  • 3-4 tablespoons honey, maple syrup or sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, grated

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Lightly spray an 8-inch square cake pan with nonstick spray.
  2. Place 2 cups of the walnuts in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the oats, cinnamon, and salt, and process in a few long pulses until they combine to become a powder. Transfer this to a medium-sized bowl. Finely chop the remaining 1 cup of the walnuts and stir these in.
  3. Switch to the fine grating attachment of the food processor, and grate the carrots. Add this to the walnut mixture, along with the golden raisins, honey, lemon juice and zest and vanilla, and mix with a fork until thoroughly combined.
  4. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, and press it into a square about an inch thick. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 minutes or until the top is dry and toasty.
  5. Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Remove from the pan and cut the baked mixture into 2-inch squares with a very sharp knife. They are a little crumbly. Allow to cool to room temperature. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator, and serve cold or at room temperature.

 

This recipe is truly quick and easy if you use a food processor for grinding the walnuts and grating the carrots. If you don’t have a food processor, you can do Step 1 in a blender, and grate the carrots by hand.