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Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars 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.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Optional Ingredients

  • 23 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. 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.
  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 consistent.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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