Description
These No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a deliciously sweet yet guilt-free snack!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (soaked if dry)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour or almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or whipped cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sweetener to taste (stevia, monk fruit, or maple syrup)
Instructions
- Start by adding the cottage cheese and pitted Medjool dates into a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy, creating a fantastic base for your bars.
- Once the base is ready, transfer the blended mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add in the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, and your choice of oil—olive or coconut. This combination enhances the moistness of the bars while keeping them healthy. Mix everything well until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together rolled oats, whole wheat flour (or almond flour), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt. These dry ingredients are essential for the texture and taste of your bars.
- Now, mix the wet and dry ingredients together gently. Fold in the grated carrots, which add moisture and texture. If you’re opting for nuts, add them in now.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your prepared 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly into the pan, then place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
- After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Prepare the frosting while the bars are cooling by mixing Greek yogurt, cream cheese, vanilla, and your choice of sweetener until smooth.
- Once frosted, slice the bars into 12 equal pieces. You can enjoy them immediately or store them for later.
Notes
These bars are versatile and can be frozen for meal prep. Let the bars set for an hour before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
Nutrition
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Protein: 6 g