Oatmeal Carrot Raisin Bars

I almost didn't blog about these because they aren't that attractive and it was really hard to get a good photo! I took about twenty and this was the ONLY one even close to being good. However, they are very yummy and I really wanted to share the recipe with you all.

I got this recipe from a friend years ago when our kids were in preschool together. It was the only treat she would bake for her kids because she felt it was somewhat healthy. I guess she thought the veggies, fruit, oats and nuts made up for the cup of butter and almost 2 cups of sugar. I agree! LOL!

Oatmeal Carrot Raisin Bars

1 cup  butter, softened

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1-1/2 cups flour 

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp salt

2-2/3 cups old-fashioned oats, uncooked

1 cup raisins

1 cup shredded carrots, loosely packed

½ - 1 cup chopped walnuts

Preaheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars until creamy.  Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.  In a small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Add to wet ingredients; mix well.  Stir in the remaining ingredients then spread dough in an ungreased 13x9” pan.  Bake ~22 minutes until golden brown. Don't over-bake or they will be dry! Cool completely then cut into squares.

Happy Baking!