Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars are a high-protein, low-carb, and sugar-free treat that delivers 6 grams of protein and just 2 grams of carbs per bar. You only need to blend the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a creamy gluten free cheesecake bar with the warm spices of carrot cake.
If you enjoy these carrot cake cheesecake bars, you will love this Sugar Free Carrot Cake Cheesecake or my Sugar Free Carrot Cake recipe. You might also like these Sugar Free Carrot Cake Muffins and this innovative twist on a Brazilian classic with this Sugar Free Brazilian Carrot Cake recipe. If you love ice cream, this Ninja Creami Carrot Cake Ice Cream recipe will hit the spot.
If you are looking for more cheesecake bars, these Low Carb Apple Cheesecake Bars, Low Carb Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars and my favorite Low Carb Blueberry Cheesecake Bars will hit the spot.
Jump To:
- Why You'll Love These Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Bars
- Ingredients for High Protein Cheesecake Bars
- Step by step instructions
- How to Make Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars
- Recipe Tips
- Variations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Freezing Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Cottage Cheese Recipes You'll Love
- Recipe Card
Why You'll Love These Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Bars
- High Protein: with each bar having 6 grams of protein, these make a smart choice if you want a dessert that also fuels you.
- Cottage cheese cheesecake bars with a twist: blending cottage cheese creates a creamy layer without the heaviness of cream cheese.
- Carrot cake flavor: shredded carrots and warm spices give these gluten free cheesecake bars the classic carrot cake taste.
- Low carb, keto and sugar free: with only 2g of carbs per bar they fit into a low carb and keto lifestyle
- Easy and Versatile: blend, bake and cut into bars, a perfect snack, dessert, or part of your high protein cheesecake bars collection.
Ingredients for High Protein Cheesecake Bars
These sugar free carrot cake bars are made with simple ingredients you probably already have. Each one helps boost protein while keeping the recipe low in sugar and carbs.
- Cottage cheese: the base for creamy cottage cheese cheesecake bars. We give it a smooth texture by blending it.
- Plain Greek yogurt: adds additional protein and tang without heavy cream cheese.
- Eggs: help to bind the batter and give structure.
- Vanilla protein powder: We use this Low Carb Vanilla Protein Powder to keep carbs to a minimum while giving that protein boost.
- Powdered sweetener: keeps them sugar free while still tasting sweet.
- Grated carrots: make sure to drain them well so the batter doesn't get watery.
- Chopped pecans: add crunch and nutty flavor to the finished bars.
- Vanilla extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and baking powder
* See the recipe card for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Step by step instructions
How to Make Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars
- Step 1: Blend the base.
- Step 2: Shred the carrots
STEP 1: Add cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, protein powder, sweetener, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
STEP 2: Shred the carrots finely, then squeeze out all excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel, cheesecloth, or paper towels.
- Step 3: Add the mix-ins.
- Step 4: Bake.
STEP 3: Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and stir in the drained carrots and chopped pecans.
STEP 4: Pour into a prepared 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment. Bake at 325°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until set in the center.
STEP 5: Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Slice and serve - Cut into 16 squares and enjoy.
How to Drain Carrots and Blend Cottage Cheese
Getting the texture right is key for these high protein cheesecake bars. Two simple steps make a big difference:
Drain the shredded carrots
- After shredding, place the carrots in a clean kitchen towel, cheesecloth, or several layers of paper towels.
- Twist or press firmly to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- The drier the carrots, the less soggy your cottage cheese cheesecake bars will be.
Blend the cottage cheese
- Add cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, protein powder, sweetener, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed.
- The cottage cheese blends right in with the other ingredients to create a cheesecake-like batter.
Recipe Tips
- Watch the bake time - Start checking at 30 minutes. The center should look set but still have a slight jiggle. Overbaking can make the bars dry.
- Cool, then chill - Let the bars cool to room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps them firm up and slice cleanly.
- Cut with a sharp knife - For neat edges, wipe the knife clean between cuts.
Variations
- Nut-free option: Skip the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
- Protein twist: Try chocolate or cinnamon protein powder for a fun change in these high protein cheesecake bars.
- Extra carrot cake flavor: Add shredded coconut or a pinch of allspice to make the carrot cake cheesecake bars more spiced.
- Cottage cheese cheesecake bars without nuts: Simply leave out the pecans for a smoother, softer texture.
Nutritional Information
Here's the nutritional breakdown for these cottage cheese carrot cake cheesecake bars (16 servings):
- Calories: 51
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
* Macros may vary slightly depending on the protein powder and cottage cheese brand used
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep parchment or wax paper between layers so they don't stick.
- Freezer: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: For best texture, thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight.
- Serving tip: These cottage cheese cheesecake bars taste best chilled, so keep them cold until you're ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Low-fat cottage cheese works, but the bars may be slightly less creamy. Just make sure whichever type you use is blended smoothly with the other ingredients.
Cracks usually happen when cheesecake-style bars are overbaked or cooled too quickly. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes, the center should look set but still have a slight jiggle. After baking, let the bars cool at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge. This gradual cooling keeps them moist and helps avoid cracks.
Yes, vanilla, unflavored, or even cinnamon protein powders all work here.
If you love cottage cheese recipes, these carrot cake cheesecake bars will be a favorite. Try them for an easy high protein dessert or snack.
Hungry for more?
Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Recipe Card
Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt I used 2%
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup low carb vanilla protein powder
- ⅓ cup powdered sweetener sugar substitute
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoon chopped pecans
Instructions
- Add cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, protein powder, sweetener, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Shred carrots finely and squeeze out excess liquid using a kitchen towel, cheesecloth, or paper towels. Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl, then stir in the drained carrots and chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake at 325°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into squares and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Different protein powders can change sweetness and texture - vanilla or unflavored work best.
- Bars are firmest when well chilled; they slice cleaner after a night in the fridge.
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
Oscar Chimenti says
These bars turned out so creamy and flavorful. The cottage cheese blended perfectly, and you’d never guess they’re high protein and low carb.