Name: Flourless Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bananas, mashed; 1 1/2 cups low fat cottage cheese, blended; 1 carrot, grated; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 2 cups oats; 2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/3 cup pecans, chopped; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/3 carrot, grated; Pecans, chopped (to taste); 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 54 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that feels indulgent but sneaks in a good dose of wholesome nutrition, this Flourless Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine a beautifully moist carrot cake without any flour, made instead with creamy cottage cheese, naturally sweet bananas, hearty oats, and crunchy pecans. It’s not only gluten-free but also packed with protein, making it a guilt-free treat you can feel good about any time of day. The balance of flavors and textures—from the soft, tender crumb to the subtle sweetness and fragrant cinnamon—makes this carrot cake a truly special recipe to keep on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Two bright orange carrots sit in the middle, with two yellow bananas positioned to their right. To the left of the carrots are three small glass bowls stacked vertically, containing dark maple syrup at the top, white baking powder in the middle, and brown cinnamon at the bottom. Below these is a tiny glass bowl filled with dark vanilla extract. Towards the bottom center, a white bowl contains dark brown pecans, while to the right, another white bowl holds creamy white Greek yogurt. At the bottom left, a clear glass bowl is full of white cottage cheese with a lumpy texture, and next to it on the right, a clear glass bowl holds light brown oats with a rough texture. All elements are brightly lit and clearly visible, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe comes together from simple, familiar ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry or fridge. Each one plays a crucial role, whether bringing moisture, structure, flavor, or texture. Using natural sweetness from bananas and maple syrup means no refined sugar is necessary, and the cottage cheese adds creamy protein without overpowering the taste.

2 bananas mashed: Acts as a natural sweetener and helps bind ingredients gently.
1 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese blended: Adds creaminess and a protein boost while keeping the cake moist.
1 carrot grated: Fresh carrot gives sweetness, moisture, and that classic carrot cake texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warm aromatic notes.
1 tbsp maple syrup: Adds a subtle floral sweetness to elevate the overall flavor.
2 cups oats: Works as the base “flour” substitute, offering chewiness and fiber.
2 tsp cinnamon: Gives that signature warmth and spice that makes carrot cake irresistible.
1 tsp baking powder: Ensures the cake rises nicely and stays fluffy.
1/3 cup pecans chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma to every bite.

Topping Ingredients

1/2 cup Greek yogurt: Provides a tangy, creamy topping to balance sweetness.
1/3 carrot grated: Adds fresh color and texture on top.
Pecans chopped: For extra crunch and decoration.
2 tbsp maple syrup (optional): Drizzle for a touch of extra sweetness.

How to Make Flourless Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 360°F (about 182°C). Lightly oil a 9×4-inch bread loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure your cake pops out easily once baked. This simple step sets you up for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas, blended cottage cheese, grated carrot, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir these together well until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This blend is the heart of the cake, building moisture, natural sweetness, and great texture.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, sprinkle in the oats, cinnamon, and baking powder. Fold gently but thoroughly to incorporate all the dry bits evenly into the wet mix. These ingredients give your cake its signature structure and warm flavors, replacing traditional flour with nutrient-packed oats.

Step 4: Fold in the Pecans

Now for the best part—folding in the chopped pecans. These add crunch and a lovely nutty depth that beautifully complements the sweetness of the carrots and bananas. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed for perfect bites every time.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma alone will make you eager to dig in!

Step 6: Add the Topping and Serve

Once your cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread a generous layer of Greek yogurt over the top. Sprinkle with grated carrot and chopped pecans for a fresh, textured contrast. If you like a sweeter finish, drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the topping. Serve warm or at room temperature for the perfect balance of creaminess and softness.

How to Serve Flourless Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Recipe

A rectangular carrot cake with a dark orange-brown texture is shown on crinkled white parchment paper. It has one thick layer topped with smooth white frosting that fully covers the cake's top surface. The frosting is sprinkled with bright orange shredded carrot pieces and small bits of light brown chopped nuts unevenly spread on top and around the cake on the parchment. The background has a white marbled texture and a soft, beige-striped cloth partially covering the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by garnishing with extra freshly grated carrot, whole pecans, and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. These touches not only make the cake picture-perfect but add subtle layers of taste and texture.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a bright glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. For a brunch setting, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a small bowl of mixed berries to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try turning this loaf cake into mini muffins by baking the batter in a muffin tin for about 20 minutes, perfect for grab-and-go treats. Or layer slices with Greek yogurt and fruit in parfait glasses for an elegant dessert option that highlights its creamy and wholesome appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, so you can enjoy slices without any rush.

Freezing

This flourless cottage cheese carrot cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices well in plastic wrap and foil before placing in the freezer. It keeps for up to two months and is easy to thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To revive your cake’s moist texture, gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat in a low-temperature oven until just warmed through. Add a fresh dollop of Greek yogurt if desired for an extra creamy touch.

FAQs

Is this Flourless Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! Because this recipe uses oats instead of any traditional flour, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. It’s a great option for those avoiding gluten but still wanting a delicious carrot cake.

Can I substitute the cottage cheese with something else?

You can try replacing cottage cheese with ricotta cheese for a similar texture and mild flavor. However, using cottage cheese gives the cake its signature moisture and protein content, so substitutions might alter the final texture slightly.

How do I make sure the cake is moist?

The combination of bananas and cottage cheese provides plenty of moisture in this recipe. Avoid overbaking, and keep an eye on the cake from 35 minutes onwards. Pull it out once a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Is this cake sweet enough without sugar?

Yes, bananas and maple syrup provide natural sweetness that balances the flavors wonderfully. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a little extra maple syrup or drizzle some on top after baking to suit your taste.

Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes?

Definitely! Portion the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for about 20-25 minutes at 360°F. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick as ovens may vary. This makes a great portable snack or party bite.

Final Thoughts

I seriously can’t recommend this Flourless Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Recipe enough. It’s a fresh twist on a classic favorite that’s wholesome, satisfying, and so versatile. Whether you need a protein-packed breakfast, a healthy dessert, or a crowd-pleasing snack, this carrot cake has you covered. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to treat!