Description:
These naturally sweet, flourless oatmeal bites are made with juicy apples, fresh carrots, and hearty oats. Soft, chewy, and nutrient-packed, they’re perfect for clean eating and completely free from added sugar or refined flour. They’re great as a breakfast-on-the-go, toddler snack, or healthy treat with tea.
Origin:
This recipe is inspired by clean-eating and baby-led weaning recipes, combining whole ingredients into a simple, sugar-free snack. It reflects elements of Swiss Bircher muesli and wholesome oatmeal cookies — without any of the processed stuff.
Ingredients (Quantities):
- 1 cup (100g) rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats)
- 1 medium apple, grated (with skin on if organic)
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (for natural sweetness)
- 1 egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil (optional for texture)
- Handful of raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
Optional Ingredients:
- Ground flax or chia seeds (for added fiber)
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Unsweetened applesauce instead of banana
- Zest of orange or lemon for brightness
- A splash of almond or oat milk if the mix feels dry
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix grated apple, grated carrot, mashed banana, and egg until combined.
- Stir in oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and optional oil and vanilla. Mix well.
- Fold in any optional add-ins like raisins or nuts.
- Let mixture sit for 5–10 minutes so the oats can absorb moisture.
- Scoop into small rounds (about 1–2 tablespoons each) and place on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a spoon.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until set and lightly golden on the bottom.
- Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for later.
Tips for Success:
- Use ripe banana for the best natural sweetness.
- If your apple is very juicy, squeeze out a bit of liquid to prevent sogginess.
- The texture is soft — if you want crispier bites, bake a few extra minutes.
- Grate carrots and apple finely for even moisture and texture.
Recommendation:
Serve with:
- A dollop of nut butter or plain yogurt
- A warm herbal tea or cinnamon rooibos
- Fresh fruit on the side
Great for breakfast, lunchbox snacks, or post-workout fuel.
Nutrition (Per Bite – ~12 small bites total):
- Calories: ~70
- Fat: ~2g
- Carbs: ~12g
- Sugar: ~5g (from fruit only)
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~1.5g
(Estimates depend on exact size and add-ins.)
Would you like this turned into a loaf, muffins, or raw no-bake bites instead?
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