Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful and wholesome treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. They combine creamy cottage cheese with grated carrots and warm spices for a moist, flavorful bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable to your taste.

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 to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the almond or oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and grated carrot to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. If using nuts, fold them in now.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
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 in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into 9 equal pieces.

Tips & Variations

• Use oat flour instead of almond flour for a nut-free version with a softer texture.
• Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or a handful of raisins to the batter.
• For extra indulgence, drizzle with a light cream cheese or yogurt glaze once cooled.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and freeze them for up to 2 months. To enjoy, warm frozen bars briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds for a comforting treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cottage cheese with yogurt or cream cheese?

Yes, you can try using plain Greek yogurt for a similar texture, but cream cheese may make the batter denser and change the moisture content. Cottage cheese provides a balance of creaminess and protein that works well here.

Are these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Absolutely. Using almond flour or oat flour (make sure it’s certified gluten-free if sensitive) keeps the bars gluten-free and safe for those with gluten intolerance.

Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 64 reviews

Delightfully moist and nutritious Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars made with almond or oat flour, fresh grated carrots, and a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness. These bars are perfect as a wholesome snack or a healthy dessert, combining the creamy texture of cottage cheese with warm spices like cinnamon for a comforting treat.

• Author: Isla
• 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 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: 2–3 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: 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.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract until you have a smooth mixture with no large curds.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the almond or oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and grated carrot to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is combined. If using, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
4. Pour and Smooth: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface so it bakes evenly.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the surface is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with only a few moist crumbs attached.
6. Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes. Once cooled, lift from the baking dish and slice into 9 uniform bars.

Notes

• Use oat flour as a nut-free alternative; it results in a softer texture.
• Enhance the flavor by adding spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or stirring in raisins for extra sweetness.
• Drizzle with light cream cheese or yogurt for an indulgent finishing touch.
• Freeze individual bars wrapped in parchment paper for up to two months for convenient, ready-to-eat snacks.
• Warm frozen bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds for a cozy, freshly-baked feel.

Keywords: cottage cheese, carrot cake bars, healthy dessert, gluten free dessert, almond flour, oat flour, baked carrot bars, low sugar carrot cake