Collagen Carrot Cake Bars (Gluten Free)

Carrot cake is often a popular dessert to enjoy in the spring and especially around Easter. These Collagen Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect addition to any family gathering for a multitude of reasons. The first being that this recipe contains many healthier alternatives that can be used in baking to allow you to feel better about what you are eating and serving. Carrots are very rich in vitamins and antioxidants; monk fruit sweetener is a low-calorie alternative to sugar; and almond milk and flour are great additives, especially when hosting those with allergies. Renewed Health’s Collagen gives this dessert a great boost of protein, vitamins and minerals and is overall a great benefit to your body's health and wellness. Using a cream cheese frosting adds some more protein as well as delicious flavor. Overall, you cannot go wrong when choosing to make this dessert for your family, friends or as a special treat for yourself. The flavors alone make this recipe amazing, but with the added health benefits, it is truly irresistible!

Ingredients:

Carrot Cake

• 2 cups of almond flour
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp of almond or oat milk
• ½ cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
• 2 tsp of baking powder
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1 scoop of Renewed Health’s Collagen
• 1 cup of finely grated carrots 
• 1 tbsp of shredded coconut
• ½ cup of melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract 
• 1 cup of powdered monk fruit sweetener or cane sugar
• ½ tsp of salt

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 2 tsp of vanilla extract
• ½ cup of salted butter
• 8 oz of cream cheese

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, collagen, sweetener, ground cinnamon and salt. 
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, carrots, coconut, coconut oil and vanilla extract. 
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry in the large bowl. Spread the mixture evenly onto the baking sheet. 
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
6. While the bars are baking, make the cream cheese icing. With a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. 
7. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat again until creamy. 
8. Once the bars are finished let them cool for about two hours before adding the icing.
9. Once cooled, spread icing on top and add walnuts if desired.
10. Slice into squares and enjoy!