Introduction

Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a moist, protein-packed treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. With a subtle sweetness and a hint of cinnamon, these bars bring together simple ingredients for a delicious, wholesome bite.

Two square pieces of a carrot cake bar are stacked on a white round plate with a thin brown rim. Each piece has two layers: the bottom layer is dense and light brown with small orange carrot bits inside, and the top layer is a crisp, golden cereal crust with some visible clusters. The top is drizzled with white icing in thin lines. In the background, out of focus, more bars sit on a dark cooling rack against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line an 8×8‑inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup or honey (if using), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Add the almond or oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and grated carrot to the wet ingredients. Stir until well combined. If you are adding nuts, gently fold them in now.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the surface feels set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Step 6: Allow the bars to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into 9 squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture and flavor, add a handful of raisins or shredded coconut to the batter.
Use oat flour for a nut-free option, or try whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey, or omit completely for a less sweet bar.
Try swapping the walnuts or pecans with chopped almonds or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.

Storage

Store the carrot cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw them in the fridge before eating. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

A stack of three square carrot bars is shown close up, each bar having two visible layers: the bottom layer is a dense, textured mix of orange carrot bits and brown cake-like dough, and the top layer is a smooth, creamy white icing. The top bar also has white icing drizzled in lines and a few small orange carrot pieces on top. The bars are stacked on a surface with a brown and beige natural stone pattern, while blurred additional bars are seen in the background on a white plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based yogurt instead of cottage cheese. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.

Can I use fresh or frozen grated carrot?

Fresh grated carrot works best for these bars. If using frozen grated carrot, be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture so the batter isn’t too wet.

Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 114 reviews

These Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars combine creamy cottage cheese with grated carrots and warm spices to create a moist, protein-packed treat. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey and using almond or oat flour, these bars offer a healthier twist on classic carrot cake. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 Ingredients

2–3 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and prepare an 8×8‑inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
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 consistent.
Add dry ingredients and carrots: Incorporate the almond or oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into the wet mixture. Stir these together until well combined, then gently fold in the grated carrot. If you’re including nuts, fold them in at this stage as well.
Transfer and smooth batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly, ensuring an even bake.
Bake the bars: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bars are done when the surface is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool at least 10 minutes in the baking dish to set properly before slicing into 9 equal bars. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use almond flour for a gluten-free, low-carb option; oat flour works well for a softer texture.
Maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness but can be omitted for a less sweet bar.
Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans adds crunch and healthy fats.
Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: cottage cheese bars, carrot cake bars, healthy carrot cake, gluten free dessert, protein snack