Carrot and Prune Bars with Ricotta Yogurt Cream
These carrot and prune bars with ricotta yogurt cream are a wholesome, nutritious treat that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your health-conscious side. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, these bars make for an excellent snack or light dessert. The combination of grated carrots, prunes, and ground flax seeds provides a rich, moist base, while the orange zest and juice add a burst of citrusy freshness. Topped with a smooth ricotta yogurt cream, these bars are creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. They’re also versatile—whether you enjoy them as a single-layer treat or stack them with the creamy topping for an indulgent dessert. Perfect for a quick energy boost, these bars are a delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients like carrots, nuts, and seeds while indulging in something sweet.
Preparation Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12-16 bars
Ingredients
For the Bars:
70g (2.5 oz) prunes, soaked in cold water for 15 minutes and chopped
2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
100 ml (3.3 fl oz) water
280g (9.8 oz) carrots, finely grated
90g (3 oz) oatmeal
30g (1 oz) almonds, chopped
30g (1 oz) walnuts, chopped
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
Stevia to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest from 1 orange
90 ml (3 fl oz) orange juice
For the Ricotta Yogurt Cream:
500g (17.6 oz) ricotta cheese
70g (2.5 oz) yogurt
A few drops of vanilla extract, to taste
Directions
Prepare the Flax Mixture:
Grind the flax seeds using a grinder or food processor, then mix them with 100 ml of water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens, creating a flax “egg” that will help bind the bars together.
Prepare the Base Mixture: 2. In a large bowl, combine the finely grated carrots, chopped prunes, oatmeal, chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, baking powder, salt, stevia, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. 3. Add the flax mixture to the bowl and stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky, ready to form the bars.
Form and Bake the Bars: 4. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). 5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread the mixture evenly over the sheet. Use a spatula to press it down to about 0.5 cm thickness. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch. The bars should be set and lightly browned on top.
Prepare the Ricotta Yogurt Cream: 7. While the bars are baking, prepare the ricotta yogurt cream by mixing the ricotta cheese, yogurt, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Assemble and Chill: 8. Once the baked bars have cooled down, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size. 9. Spread a thin layer of the ricotta yogurt cream over each bar. If desired, stack the bars with a layer of cream in between, or serve them as single-layer bars. 10. Place the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill and allow the cream to set.
Serve: 11. Enjoy these healthy, creamy bars as a snack or dessert! They’re perfect for a light treat at any time of the day.
Serving Suggestions
On Their Own: These bars are delicious as a standalone treat, perfect for a light snack or dessert.
With Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to add natural sweetness and freshness.
With a Hot Drink: Pair with a cup of herbal tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon snack.
As a Breakfast Option: These bars make for an excellent, grab-and-go breakfast when you’re short on time.
Topped with Honey or Maple Syrup: If you want a little extra sweetness, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top before serving.
Nutritional Facts (Per Bar)
Calories: 150 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 80mg
The Origins and Popularity of Carrot and Nut Bars
Carrot-based baked goods, such as carrot cakes and carrot muffins, have been popular for centuries, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The modern carrot cake, however, gained widespread popularity in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. The use of carrots in cakes was initially seen as a way to sweeten baked goods naturally while adding moisture. As the health-conscious food movement gained momentum in the 20th century, carrots became increasingly popular as a main ingredient in snacks and desserts due to their natural sweetness and nutritional benefits.
Similarly, nut and seed-based bars, often made with oatmeal or similar grains, have long been a staple in cultures worldwide as a convenient, nutritious snack. Oatmeal is known for its high fiber content, making it a key ingredient in snacks that provide long-lasting energy and promote digestive health. By combining carrots, prunes, oats, and nuts in one bar, this recipe brings together multiple healthy ingredients that work together to create a delicious, balanced snack. The addition of ricotta yogurt cream adds a creamy texture and a dose of calcium, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value of the bars.
Today, these types of bars are extremely popular among people looking for healthier snack alternatives that don’t sacrifice taste. They are often favored for their ability to provide a quick, satisfying bite while offering a variety of health benefits, making them a great option for anyone seeking a nutritious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a healthy and delicious way to indulge in a snack without feeling guilty. The combination of oats, carrots, prunes, and nuts makes the bars rich in fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. The addition of orange zest and juice gives the bars a refreshing, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots and prunes. The creamy ricotta yogurt topping is the perfect finish, adding a smooth, tangy contrast to the crunchy, nutty bars. Whether you enjoy them as a light breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a satisfying dessert, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
These carrot and prune bars are packed with health benefits thanks to their nutrient-dense ingredients. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is important for maintaining healthy vision and immune function. They are also rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and promotes satiety. Oats, another key ingredient, are high in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
The addition of nuts—such as almonds and walnuts—provides healthy fats, protein, and essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain health and reducing inflammation. Flax seeds, known for their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, are also a great addition to this recipe for supporting heart health, lowering blood pressure, and promoting healthy digestion.
The ricotta yogurt cream provides a boost of calcium and protein, both of which are essential for maintaining strong bones and muscle function. Additionally, this cream is a healthier alternative to traditional frosting, providing richness without excessive sugar.
Serving Suggestions of This Recipe
With Fresh Fruit: Top each bar with fresh berries, bananas, or apple slices for a burst of color and extra nutrients.
As a Post-Workout Snack: The protein from the ricotta cream and oats makes these bars a great post-workout recovery snack.
With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy a slice of these bars with a hot beverage for a cozy, nutritious treat.
Pack for Lunch: These bars are portable, making them perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
Tips
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your bars sweeter, you can add a little more stevia or honey to taste.
Add More Fruit: Consider adding dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, or cranberries for extra flavor and sweetness.
Make it Vegan: To make these bars vegan, use a plant-based yogurt substitute and omit the ricotta or substitute with cashew cream or silken tofu.
For a Lighter Version: You can reduce the amount of butter or use a healthier fat substitute like coconut oil.
Variations to Try
Chocolate Version: Add some unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough and a few dark chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger would complement the flavors of the carrots and orange zest beautifully.
Nut-Free Version: Omit the almonds and walnuts and add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Conclusion
These carrot and prune bars with ricotta yogurt cream are the perfect combination of healthy and indulgent. They offer a satisfying snack or dessert that is full of fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins. The rich flavor of the carrots and orange juice pairs wonderfully with the creamy topping, creating a treat that’s both wholesome and delicious. Whether you make these bars for a quick breakfast, a nutritious afternoon snack, or a light dessert, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe that combines the best of both flavor and nutrition!
Instructions:
