Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Moist and lightly sweetened, they combine the creaminess of cottage cheese with fresh grated carrots for a wholesome snack or breakfast treat.

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 your 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 cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the almond or oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and grated carrot to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts if you’re using them.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or 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 bars. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture and flavor, swap some of the maple syrup with a mashed ripe banana.
• Use oat flour for a nuttier taste and a slightly different texture if almond flour isn’t available.
• Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet surprise in each bar.
• To make the bars vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based yogurt instead of cottage cheese.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well; wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold as a quick snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Cream cheese or ricotta can be used as substitutes, but expect a slight change in texture and moisture. Cottage cheese provides a nice balance of creaminess and protein.

Are these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, when you use almond flour or oat flour made from gluten-free oats, these bars are gluten-free. Always check your flour packaging to ensure there is no cross-contamination.

Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 59 reviews

These Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a nutritious and delicious treat combining the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of grated carrots. Lightly sweetened with maple syrup or honey and spiced with cinnamon, these bars are perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast option. The addition of almond or oat flour makes them gluten-free, while optional chopped nuts add a satisfying crunch.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Snack, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Add-ins

• 2–3 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the 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 to prevent sticking.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Add the almond or oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and grated carrot to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until all are well incorporated. If you choose to include nuts, fold them in at this stage.
4. Transfer batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
5. Bake the bars: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the surface is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
6. Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes. Once cooled, slice into 9 bars and enjoy.

Notes

• You can substitute oat flour for almond flour for a different texture or to avoid nuts.
• The maple syrup or honey is optional, and you can adjust the sweetness to your preference.
• Chilling the bars after baking can help them firm up and improve slicing.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a vegan version, this recipe is not suitable as it contains eggs and cottage cheese.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars, Gluten Free Snack, Healthy Carrot Bars, Almond Flour Bars, Protein Breakfast Bars