High-Protein Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars – Soft, Moist & Naturally Sweetened

These protein-packed carrot cake bars are soft, lightly spiced, and naturally sweetened — perfect for breakfast, meal prep, or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup almond flour (or oat flour for a heartier texture)
• 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup finely grated carrots

Optional add-ins:

• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1–2 tbsp raisins
• 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Blend the wet ingredients:
   In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Add eggs, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract. Blend until creamy.
3. Mix dry ingredients:
   In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine:
   Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in the grated carrots and any optional add-ins.
5. Bake:
   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Cool and slice:
   Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Optional High-Protein Frosting

Mix together:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla

Spread over cooled bars and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Storage:
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.