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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Deliciously Moist Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars for Dessert Bliss

Enjoy the delightful blend of classic carrot cake flavors in these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavors
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Brings warmth and depth
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds cozy spice
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Balances sweetness
  • 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures light texture
  • 1 large Egg Binds ingredients together
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Creates tender crumb
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Carrots Adds moisture and nutrition
Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese Softened for mixing
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Adds richness
  • 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the mixture

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with non-stick aluminum foil and spraying with cooking spray.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute and let it cool slightly.
  3. Whisk one large egg into the cooled butter, then stir in 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg into the wet mixture and fold gently.
  5. Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots until evenly distributed.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, one egg yolk, and ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth.
  7. Pour the carrot batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and swirl the cream cheese mixture over the top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
  9. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Using fresh grated carrots and avoiding overmixing are key to the recipe's success.

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