No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars
No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a healthy, moist, and naturally sweet treat combining creamy cottage cheese with fresh shredded carrots. These bars are packed with protein and fiber, use wholesome spices for flavor, and contain no added sugar, making them a guilt-free snack perfect for breakfast or on-the-go energy.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded fresh carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup well-drained cottage cheese
- 1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend the well-drained cottage cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Carrots and Nuts: Gently fold in the shredded carrots and optional chopped nuts, mixing just until everything is evenly incorporated without overworking the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and gently stir until just combined, maintaining a light, fluffy batter that will yield tender bars.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares to maintain their shape and moist texture.
Notes
- Use well-drained cottage cheese by pressing it gently in a fine sieve or patting with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until combined to keep the crumb tender and avoid tough bars.
- Finely shred the carrots for a more consistent, moist texture.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature and prevent overbaking.
- Choose fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg for the best flavor impact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: no sugar, cottage cheese, carrot cake, healthy snack, sugar-free dessert, protein bars, fiber-rich, gluten-free option, natural sweetness