Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful, nutritious snack that blends the creaminess of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of carrots. These bars are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a wholesome treat any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup almond flour (or oat flour)
• ½ cup grated carrot
• 2–3 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 2–3 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line an 8×8‑inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the almond or oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and grated carrot to the mixture. Stir until combined. Fold in the nuts if using.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the surface is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into 9 equal pieces.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Try adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
• If you prefer a moister texture, increase the cottage cheese by ¼ cup.
• Use fresh grated carrot for best flavor and moisture, and make sure to drain any excess liquid if the carrot is very wet.

Storage

Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond or oat flour?

Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour, but keep in mind the texture might be less moist and slightly denser. Adjust the liquid in the recipe if needed.

Are these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Absolutely. Using almond flour or oat flour (ensure certified gluten-free oats) makes this recipe naturally gluten-free.

Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 150 reviews

These Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a moist, protein-packed treat combining the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of grated carrots and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast option, they are lightly sweetened with maple syrup or honey and can be enhanced with crunchy walnuts or pecans.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2–3 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• ½ cup almond flour (or oat flour)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Other

• ½ cup grated carrot
• 2–3 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Prepare an 8×8‑inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup or honey (if using), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients and Carrots: Add the almond or oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and grated carrot to the wet ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is combined evenly. If you choose to include nuts, fold them into the batter now.
4. Pour Batter Into Dish: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out, smoothing the top for even baking.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the surface is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool for at least 10 minutes in the dish before slicing into 9 equal bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Using either almond or oat flour works well; almond flour will provide a nuttier taste and lower carbs.
• The maple syrup or honey is optional depending on your preferred sweetness.
• For extra texture and flavor, adding chopped walnuts or pecans is recommended but optional.
• These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure not to overbake to keep the bars moist.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars, Healthy Carrot Bars, Protein Snack, Low Sugar Dessert, Almond Flour Carrot Cake