Why Carrot Cake?
We're suckers for carrot cake. A spice and texture-rich cake paired perfectly with creamy, buttery frosting? Say less. This is our attempt to make carrot cake with more protein, fiber, probiotics, and with less sugar and fewer allergens.
We like this recipe for three big reasons:
| 1. Carrot cake ingredients are flavorful and diverse. Our recipe has: | 2. Tries to minimize metabolic and immune unfriendly ingredients: | 3. Our Earthy Andy Plant Powered Protein adds digestive support: |
| * Vitamins and minerals * Flavorful, diverse spices * Dietary fiber from multiple sources * Omega-3 fatty acids |
- Refined grains - Refined sugar - Seed or vegetable oils - Unnecessary allergens like gluten and dairy |
+ Plant-based pea protein + fiber + digestive enzymes + pre and probiotics |
Recipe: Carrot Cake Protein Bars with Vegan Protein
Bar Ingredients
2 ½ cups almond flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 cup coconut sugar 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter, melted and cooled 1/4 cup almond milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup (110g) grated carrots 1/4 cup chopped walnuts and raisins
Frosting Ingredients
½ cup cashew butter 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 scoop Earthy Andy Plant Powered Protein
Directions.
- Mix together dry ingredients.
- Add milk and coconut oil and mix again.
- Next, add the grated carrots and fold in until combined.
- Fold in the walnuts and raisins and then spread into an 8x8 baking sheet.
- Bake at 375 degrees for about 23 minutes.
- While it cools, Make the protein “frosting”. Mix together the cashew butter, protein powder, and vanilla. You can add a little almond milk to thin out if necessary.
- Spread onto the bars, top with more walnuts, and enjoy!
Notes on Ingredients
Almond Flour: We chose Almond flour over refined wheat flour because it is gluten-free and provides more macronutrients. Almond flour is rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, and minerals like magnesium and potassium. It also adds a nutty flavor to the bars. Some people may wish to avoid almonds because of concerns with allergies, antinutrients, or other concerns with seeds, nuts, and legumes.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a great choice due to its distinct flavor and possible health benefits. It is an antioxidant and may support healthy inflammatory responses. Additionally, cinnamon adds a warm and comforting taste to the bars, enhancing their flavor profile.
Ground Ginger: Ginger may help support digestion and promote healthy inflammatory responses. Its warm and slightly spicy taste adds depth and complexity to the bars.
Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a unique and fragrant element to the bars, complementing the other spices. It may also help support digestion and promote relaxation.
Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and higher nutrient content than refined white sugar. It provides a sustained release of energy, reducing blood sugar spikes and crashes. Coconut sugar adds a subtle sweetness to the bars without overpowering the other flavors.
Coconut Oil or Butter: Both coconut oil and butter are suitable choices, depending on personal preference. Coconut oil is a vegan option and contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly metabolized for energy. Butter, preferably grass-fed, offers a rich and creamy taste. Both options provide a source of healthy fats for satiety and flavor.
Almond Milk: Almond milk was chosen over cow's milk for those following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle. It is lower in calories, cholesterol-free, and rich in vitamin E. Almond milk contributes to the moistness of the bars while adding a subtle nutty undertone. If you are trying to avoid almond, try another dairy free milk or kefir for added probiotics if you are trying cow's milk.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the bars with its sweet and aromatic profile. When possible, make sure to find a good extract with high grade beans, low sugar, and proper aging.
Grated Carrots: Grated carrots provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a vibrant orange color. Carrots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Any way to up the fiber is a win for this recipe.
Chopped Walnuts and Raisins: Walnuts and raisins add texture, crunch, and a burst of flavor to the bars. Walnuts are rich in heart-healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Raisins offer natural sweetness and provide a source of dietary fiber and essential minerals. If you'd like, substitute any dried chopped fruit. Dates and prunes have fiber!
Earthy Andy Plant Powered Protein: We use North American Yellow Peas, a rare vegan protein with all essential amino acids. Then we add superfood chia for fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants. Finally, we add our blend of digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics to help relieve stomach indigestion, reduce bloating, and soothe intestinal discomfort.
