Carrot Cake Protein Bars ~ GF & DF

For some reason I’ve been seeing a lot of carrot cake recipes and I’ve got a craving for it!  I decided to modify my last carrot cake protein bar recipe and bump it up with some more superfood power.  I added maca powder and cacao nibs…the perfect combo.

You only have 2 more days to take advantage of my promo with The Maca Team.  Get 10% OFF their premium organic maca powder by using the promo code HAPPY.  Head over to their website to read all about the benefits of maca powder.  I have it every day and have noticed increased energy levels and clarity & focus.  It really is a superfood!  It’s perfect in protein bars, cookies, and smoothies.  I also stir it into my oatmeal and yogurt.  It’s so versatile!  These bars are a great way to try it out.Print Recipe

Makes 8 Bars

1 1/2 cup grated carrot – I used about 3 small/medium carrots
3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce – I make my own, just blend a couple peeled apples…tada!
1/4 cup liquid egg whites – equivalent to egg whites from 2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
6-8 drops of liquid stevia
1 cup gluten-free oat flour
2 scoops vanilla protein powder – I used Plant Fusion
1/4 cup red maca powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/8 tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp chopped walnuts
2 Tbsp cacao nibs

Preheat oven to 350F.  Combine the first 6 wet ingredients in a small bowl, whisk together.In a large bowl add the remaining dry ingredients and mix well.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined  – don’t over mix!  Grease an 8 x 8 inch baking dish.  Pour batter into dish; it will be thick!  Bake for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven, let cool and cut into 8 bars.  Wrap in cellophane and store in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Info per bar
161 Calories, 21g Carbs, 4g Fat, 11g Protein, 335mg Sodium, 6g Sugar

Please Note:  Nutritional info is gathered from MyFitnessPal and may not always be 100% accurate.  It is meant to be used as a reference only.