Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars – 9 Wholesome, Moist & Protein-Packed Squares

Thank you so much for being here Truly. These Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are one of those recipes that feel like a warm hug—comforting, lightly spiced, and just sweet enough to satisfy without overdoing it.

They’re perfect as a snack, lunchbox treat, or healthy dessert. And before we get started, make sure you subscribe to my email list so you never miss a cozy, family-friendly recipe like this one.

Overview of Recipe Content

These cottage cheese carrot cake bars are a healthier spin on classic carrot cake, made with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened. They’re soft, moist, and packed with protein—without refined flour or butter.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

• High in protein thanks to cottage cheese and eggs
• Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce
• Made with almond flour
• Soft, moist, and kid-approved
• Great for meal prep and snacking

What Do They Taste Like?

They taste like classic carrot cake, but lighter—warm cinnamon spice, subtle sweetness, and a tender crumb that stays moist for days.

Full Ingredients List (Complete)

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For the Carrot Cake Bars

• 2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
• Pinch of nutmeg or ginger
• Sugar-free cream cheese drizzle

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or blender (optional for smoother batter)
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Grater

How to Make Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars

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Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl (or blender for ultra-smooth texture), combine:

• cottage cheese
• eggs
• applesauce
• maple syrup
• vanilla extract

Blend or whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in:

• almond flour
• baking powder
• cinnamon

Mix gently until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Carrots

Fold in the grated carrots (and optional nuts if using). The batter will be thick and spoonable.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Let cool completely before slicing into bars. They firm up beautifully as they cool.

What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars

• Hot coffee or chai tea
• Greek yogurt with honey
• Fresh berries
• A light cream cheese spread

They pair beautifully with:

• Healthy Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Banana Oat Blondie Muffins → https://poulef.com/healthy-greek-yogurt-peanut-butter-banana-oat-blondie-muffins
• Protein Cookie Dough → https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough
• Milk Cinnamon Bakery Snack Loaf → https://poulef.com/milk-cinnamon-bakery-snack-loaf
• Soft & Chewy Cinnamon Apple Oat Bars → https://poulef.com/soft-chewy-cinnamon-apple-oat-bars
• Flourless Vanilla Cake → https://poulef.com/flourless-vanilla-cake

Tips for Making Them Perfect

• Finely grate carrots for the best texture
• Blend cottage cheese if you want ultra-smooth bars
• Let bars cool fully before slicing
• Store chilled for the best structure

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Freeze sliced bars up to 2 months
• Serve: Cold or slightly warmed

General Information

Using cottage cheese in baking adds moisture and protein without heaviness. Combined with almond flour and carrots, these bars are nutrient-dense while still delivering classic carrot cake flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives.

Are these gluten-free?
Yes—almond flour is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add frosting?
Absolutely! A light cream cheese glaze works beautifully.

Are these kid-friendly?
Very—soft texture and gentle sweetness make them a hit.

Conclusion

These Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are everything I love about healthy baking—simple ingredients, nourishing, and still deeply satisfying. They’re perfect for busy weeks, sweet cravings, or sharing with the family.

If you make them, don’t forget to leave a review or share a photo on Pinterest—I love seeing your creations!

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Bar)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	140
Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	14g
Sugar	7g
Protein	7g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	120mg

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