If you’re searching for a wholesome treat that feels indulgent but keeps things natural and light, this No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Bursting with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, moist from grated carrots and creamy cottage cheese, and naturally sweetened by ripe bananas, these bars offer a satisfying texture and comfort-food vibe without a trace of added sugar. They’re perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a guilt-free dessert that the whole family will adore!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create a moist, flavorful bar that is both nourishing and delicious. Each component plays a key role, from the bananas adding natural sweetness to the oat flour providing a tender crumb and the spices delivering that classic carrot cake warmth.
- 2 large ripe bananas: These provide natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the bars soft and flavorful without any added sugar.
- 2 eggs: Acting as a binder, eggs help hold the bars together while adding a boost of protein.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: This adds creamy texture and moisture, plus a lovely tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A small splash for enhancing all the other flavors with that warm vanilla aroma.
- 1 cup finely grated carrots: The star veggie that brings moisture, sweetness, and a hit of vibrant orange color.
- 1 ½ cups oat flour: A wholesome, gluten-free option that provides structure with a mild, nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and fragrant spice characteristic of classic carrot cake.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle spice that perfectly complements cinnamon for an authentic taste.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for lift and an even crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but makes removing the bars afterward a breeze, providing perfectly shaped squares every time.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, take those ripe bananas and mash them until smooth. This step is key because the bananas will impart natural sweetness and moisture, giving the bars their tender crumb without needing sugar.
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs, cottage cheese, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The cottage cheese adds a creamy touch and boosts protein, making these bars not just tasty but satisfying.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with the Wet
Now, stir in the grated carrots, oat flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until you have a thick batter with all the spices evenly distributed and the carrots adding a lovely texture throughout.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, revealing perfectly baked bars with tender crumb and just the right moistness.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Cooling is crucial because it allows the bars to set and hold together properly. Once cool, slice into 9 equal squares and get ready to enjoy a treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
How to Serve No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds visual appeal and a delightful crunch. For an extra indulgence, spread a thin layer of natural cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top—both perfectly complement the bars’ flavors and boost creaminess.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For breakfast, enjoy alongside a glass of almond milk or your favorite nut-based latte to create a balanced start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the bars on a pretty platter with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a charming touch. You can also serve them as mini dessert bites by cutting into smaller squares and stacking them with thin layers of low-sugar frosting or whipped coconut cream between for a layered carrot cake-inspired delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack or breakfast option throughout the week.
Freezing
To extend their shelf life, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, defrost at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a soft, freshly baked feel.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that warm, cozy carrot cake sensation. Avoid overheating to maintain their moist texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour if oat flour isn’t available, but the texture might be slightly different, and the bars may be less moist. Oat flour lends a lovely nutty flavor and tenderness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Is the cottage cheese flavor noticeable in the bars?
The cottage cheese adds moisture and a subtle tanginess, but it does not overpower the carrot cake spices and banana sweetness. Its flavor blends beautifully, making the bars creamy without tasting “cheesy.”
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in gently before baking, and consider reducing any added moisture slightly to keep the batter balanced.
Are these bars suitable for a diabetic diet?
Since this No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe uses only natural sugars from bananas and carrots, it’s a better option than traditional carrot cakes loaded with sugar. However, portion control and individual dietary needs should always be considered.
How moist are these bars compared to traditional carrot cake?
These bars are wonderfully moist thanks to the combination of bananas, grated carrots, and cottage cheese. While they don’t have frosting like a traditional carrot cake, their texture is soft and satisfying with a natural moistness that doesn’t dry out.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe enough if you want a nourishing, flavorful treat without any refined sugar. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the familiar comfort of carrot cake while keeping things wholesome and simple. Once you try making these bars, I bet they’ll quickly find a permanent spot in your recipe collection!
Print
No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat, perfect for a healthy snack or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, cottage cheese, grated carrots, and oat flour, these bars are naturally sweetened and packed with flavor and nutrients. They are easy to prepare, baked to perfection, and cut into convenient squares for on-the-go enjoyment.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1 ½ cups oat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until they are smooth and free of large lumps.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, cottage cheese, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the finely grated carrots along with the oat flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly until a thick batter forms with all ingredients evenly distributed.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the block and slice into 9 square bars for serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are ripe for optimal natural sweetness and moisture.
- Oat flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour if oat flour is unavailable, but it may affect texture.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt or silken tofu.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing the bars is possible; thaw before serving.
