These Healthy Carrot Cake Dream Bars are not your average dessert! They offer the warm, comforting flavors of classic carrot cake in a gluten-free and refined sugar-free package. Packed with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, grated carrots, and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness, these bars are as nutritious as they are delicious.
+ 1/2c probiotic cream cheese I used @nancysyogurt
+ 2T Greek yogurt @esti_foods
+ 1/4c maple syrup
Instructions
Line the baking pan with parchment paper, and heat oven to 350
Mix together all dry ingredients & wet ingredients in a bowl
Spread thick mixture out evenly in the pan
Bake for ~25-30 min for an 8x8 pan. I use @usa_pan they hold heat so well
Whip together probiotic cream cheese + Greek yogurt & maple syrup to create frosting
Store in refrigerator until bars are cooled and ready to be frosted
Enjoy! store in fridge & garnish with extra shredded carrots, or cinnamon. optional add nuts
Video
Notes
I love a simple dessert that’s not too sweet and this carrot cake bar topped with cream cheese frosting is the perfect treat. I know you’ll love it. The ingredients are a simple, refined, sugar-free, and gluten-free.
Nut and Seed Lovers: Play with different nut and seed combinations. Try chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds (all gluten-free!) for added texture and nutrients.
Spice It Up: Want a bit more warmth? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, ginger, or freshly grated nutmeg to the base batter.
Chocolate Cravings? For a decadent twist, drizzle melted dark chocolate (choose at least 70% cacao for a healthy option) over the cooled bars.
Berry Burst: Fold in a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or chopped dried cranberries for a fruity twist (use "gluten-free dried cranberries" if using).
Tropical Twist: Add a touch of paradise with shredded pineapple, chopped mango, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
Frosting Fun: Don't like cream cheese? Use a dairy-free alternative like cashew frosting or coconut yogurt frosting. Make dairy-free carrot cake bars with these variations.
Protein Power: For an extra protein boost, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter. Choose a flavor that compliments the carrot cake, like vanilla or cinnamon.
Thank you to Arman Liew for this inspiration for this recipe.