Description
Looking for a healthy snack or breakfast idea that satisfies your sweet tooth *without* any added sugar? These **No Sugar Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Bars** are packed with wholesome ingredients like grated carrots, rolled oats, dates, and protein-rich cottage cheese. Moist, soft, and naturally sweetened, they’re the perfect **easy recipe** to prep ahead for busy mornings or post-workout snacks. The warm spice blend, optional nuts, and creamy yogurt topping take this from nutritious to irresistible. Great for anyone hunting for **quick breakfast**, **healthy snack**, or **food ideas** that are kid-approved and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
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
1. Add cottage cheese and dates to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
2. Transfer to a bowl and mix in eggs, applesauce, vanilla, and oil.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Add coconut and orange zest.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Fold in grated carrots and nuts (if using).
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8″ pan with parchment. Spread batter evenly.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely. Mix frosting ingredients and spread on top. Garnish with extra zest.
8. Slice into bars and serve, or store in fridge/freezer.
Notes
Always use freshly grated carrots—pre-shredded ones don’t add enough moisture.
Be sure to cool the bars fully before frosting to avoid melting the topping.
You can freeze unfrosted bars individually wrapped for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Healthy snack / Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg