These No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars are the perfect healthy dessert or snack. Made with just 10 simple ingredients and no baking required, they are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The combination of dates, carrots, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon gives them a delicious carrot cake flavor, while the protein icing on top adds a smooth and creamy touch. These bars are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. They are perfect for meal prep, a post-workout snack, or just a tasty treat anytime!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the Bars:
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½ cup dates (70 grams)
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½ cup raisins
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½ cup walnuts
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2 scoops Ka’Chava Vanilla Protein Powder (1/2 cup, packed)
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2 tablespoons unsweetened vanilla almond milk
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1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon allspice
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1 ½ cups shredded carrots (130 grams)
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Pinch of salt
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Cinnamon for sprinkling
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For the Icing:
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1 scoop Ka’Chava Vanilla Protein Powder (1/4 cup, packed)
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¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
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⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
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⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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Directions
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Prepare the Bar Mixture: Place the dates and raisins in a food processor or high-speed blender and pulse until broken down into small pieces.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Add walnuts, protein powder, almond milk, cinnamon, allspice, and salt to the food processor and pulse until combined. The mixture should be crumbly but sticky.
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Add Carrots: Add the shredded carrots to the mixture and pulse again until the mixture is evenly combined but still has some texture.
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Form the Bars: Line a 7×5 glass baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the dish evenly.
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Make the Icing: In a small bowl, mix the remaining protein powder, almond milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and thick, like icing.
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Top the Bars: Spread the protein icing over the bars and sprinkle with cinnamon.
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Chill: Place the bars in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to set. Once set, cut into 12 bite-sized pieces and enjoy!
Nutrients
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Calories: 112 kcal per bar
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 5g
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Saturated Fat: 1g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 10g
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Vitamin A: 2150 IU (43% DV)
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Vitamin C: 5.8 mg (7% DV)
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Calcium: 130 mg (13% DV)
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Iron: 1.1 mg (6% DV)
A Flavorful Fusion of Carrot Cake Ingredients
One of the key elements of No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars is the balance of carrot cake-inspired flavors. The combination of dates, raisins, and cinnamon gives these bars that familiar spiced sweetness that we associate with traditional carrot cake. Dates provide natural sweetness and moisture, while raisins add chewiness and additional flavor depth. The cinnamon adds warmth and spice, elevating the carrot flavor and giving the bars a comforting, baked-good feel, despite the fact that they don’t require any baking.
The addition of carrots is what makes these bars so flavorful and nutritious. Not only do they provide that classic carrot cake taste, but they are also packed with vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. The natural sweetness of the carrots also complements the other ingredients, contributing to the overall well-balanced flavor profile of the bars.
Finally, walnuts bring both texture and healthy fats to the mix. These nuts add a satisfying crunch and provide an additional boost of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for heart health. The nuts also enhance the overall flavor, offering a rich, earthy note that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dates and raisins.
The Power of Protein and Fiber
No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars are more than just a tasty treat—they’re also packed with protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and nutritious option for those looking to fuel their day. The protein powder used in these bars plays a key role in making them a great post-workout snack. Ka’Chava Vanilla Protein Powder adds a smooth, creamy texture while providing a substantial amount of plant-based protein that helps to repair and build muscle after exercise.
With 4 grams of protein per bar, these protein bars are an excellent source of plant-based protein that will keep you full and energized. The combination of protein and fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, making these bars a great choice for a balanced snack. The fiber in these bars comes from ingredients like dates, raisins, and carrots, all of which contribute to improved digestion and sustained energy levels.
Convenient, No-Bake Recipe
One of the best aspects of No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars is their simplicity. Unlike traditional carrot cakes that require baking, these bars are quick to prepare and don’t involve any complicated steps. With just a food processor or blender, you can easily combine the ingredients into a sticky, crumbly mixture. Once mixed, all you need to do is press the mixture into a baking dish, top with a protein-packed icing, and let them chill in the fridge for a few minutes to set.
This no-bake method makes the recipe ideal for busy people who don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The prep time is minimal, and there’s no need to turn on the oven or wait for long baking times. Simply mix, press, chill, and you have a delicious and nutritious snack ready to go.
Meal Prep-Friendly and Freezer-Friendly
No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars are an excellent option for meal prepping. These bars are easy to make in large batches, and they keep well in the fridge for several days, making them a great option for on-the-go snacks throughout the week. Their freezer-friendly nature also makes them a convenient choice for long-term storage. Simply wrap the bars individually or place them in an airtight container, and you can store them in the freezer for up to a few months.
Having these bars prepped and ready to go means you’ll always have a healthy, grab-and-go snack on hand when you’re in a hurry or need a quick energy boost. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious option to pack in your lunchbox, a post-workout recovery snack, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are always a reliable and tasty choice.
Perfect for Special Dietary Needs
One of the best features of No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars is that they cater to a variety of dietary needs. They are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them suitable for people with specific dietary restrictions or preferences. Whether you follow a plant-based diet, have gluten intolerance, or are avoiding dairy for other reasons, these bars can be enjoyed by everyone.
The plant-based protein powder used in the recipe is not only a great source of protein for vegans but also helps to make the bars filling and satisfying without relying on animal products. Additionally, the use of almond milk and dates as sweeteners keeps the recipe both vegan-friendly and naturally sweet, without the need for refined sugars.
These bars are also a great choice for people with food allergies. By making them at home with simple ingredients, you can ensure that they don’t contain any hidden allergens, making them a safe snack option for those who need to avoid gluten, dairy, or animal products.
A Tasty and Nutritious Treat
What sets No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars apart from other protein bars is their combination of delicious flavor and nutritional benefits. These bars offer a satisfying, healthy alternative to traditional desserts or store-bought snacks that are often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. The carrot cake flavor is comforting and familiar, making it an enjoyable treat that doesn’t feel like a “diet” snack.
The creamy protein icing on top gives the bars a rich, indulgent feel without being overly sweet, and the combination of protein and fiber ensures that these bars are more than just a quick fix. They’re a filling snack that provides sustained energy, making them perfect for both active individuals and those who simply want to eat something healthier.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Nutritious Snack for All
In conclusion, No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars offer a perfect combination of taste, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re preparing them as a post-workout snack, meal prepping for the week, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these bars deliver both flavor and health benefits. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they provide a satisfying option that keeps you full and energized.
The carrot cake flavor, enhanced with ingredients like raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon, offers a familiar and comforting taste, while the protein icing adds a creamy finish that ties everything together. Moreover, these bars are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them accessible to a wide variety of diets. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply want a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks, these bars are the perfect solution.
So, the next time you’re craving a tasty yet nutritious snack, look no further than No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars—they’re the ideal balance of flavor and function. With minimal ingredients, no baking required, and a simple process, they are the perfect choice for anyone seeking a delicious, guilt-free treat.