Ingredients

For the Bars

• Prunes: 70g (2.5 oz), soaked in cold water for 15 minutes and chopped
• Flax Seeds: 2 tablespoons, ground
• Water: 100 ml (3.3 fl oz)
• Carrots: 280g (9.8 oz), finely grated
• Oatmeal: 90g (3 oz)
• Almonds: 30g (1 oz), chopped
• Walnuts: 30g (1 oz), chopped
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 pinch
• Stevia: To taste
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Orange Zest: From 1 orange
• Orange Juice: 90 ml (3 fl oz)

For the Ricotta Yogurt Cream

• Ricotta Cheese: 500g (17.6 oz)
• Yogurt: 70g (2.5 oz)
• Vanilla Extract: A few drops, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Soak the chopped prunes in cold water for about 15 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the ground flax seeds with 100 ml of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a gel-like texture, acting as a binding agent for the bars.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely grated carrots, oatmeal, chopped almonds, and chopped walnuts.
2. Add the baking powder, a pinch of salt, stevia to taste, and the orange zest.
3. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. To the dry ingredients, add the soaked prunes, flaxseed mixture, vanilla extract, and orange juice.
2. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated, forming a thick, sticky mixture.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly and pressing it down gently with the back of a spoon.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Yogurt Cream

1. While the bars cool, prepare the creamy topping. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, yogurt, and a few drops of vanilla extract.
2. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness with a small amount of stevia if desired.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Once the bars are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of the ricotta-yogurt cream on top.
2. Slice the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Garnish with extra orange zest, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate, Based on 12 Servings)

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g (mostly from natural sources like prunes and carrots)
• Sodium: 40mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I substitute the nuts?

Yes! Feel free to use any nuts you prefer, such as pecans or hazelnuts. For a nut-free version, substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the ricotta with a vegan alternative like cashew cream, and use a plant-based yogurt for the cream topping.

Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of stevia?

Absolutely. You can replace stevia with 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.

Tips for Making the Perfect Carrot and Nut Bars

1. Grate Carrots Finely: Finely grated carrots integrate better into the bars, giving them a moist and cohesive texture.
2. Soak the Prunes Properly: Soaking the prunes softens them and makes them easier to incorporate into the mixture, ensuring they add natural sweetness and texture.
3. Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: These bars have a naturally mild sweetness, but you can adjust the stevia or other sweeteners to suit your taste.
4. Add the Cream Just Before Serving: For the best texture, add the ricotta-yogurt cream topping right before serving, as this keeps the bars fresh and prevents sogginess.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the ricotta-yogurt cream topping in a separate container if you’re planning to add it just before serving.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well, though it’s best to freeze them without the cream topping. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and add the cream just before serving.
• Pre-Serving Tip: If refrigerated, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Carrot and Nut Bars with Ricotta Yogurt Cream are a fantastic blend of natural flavors, textures, and nutrients, making them an ideal choice for a wholesome snack or light dessert. The bars have a wonderful balance of chewy, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors, while the ricotta-yogurt cream adds a rich, smooth contrast. This recipe is easy to adapt to different dietary preferences and can be stored easily, making it a great option for meal-prepping or sharing with friends and family. Enjoy these bars as a satisfying treat that’s both delicious and nourishing!