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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Decadent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars You’ll Crave Daily

Indulge in these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars, a delightful treat combining soft, moist carrot cake with a creamy cream cheese swirl.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup light brown sugar Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the bars. You can use granulated sugar for a lighter flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Brings warmth and depth to the batter.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure to maintain the shape of the bars. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warm spice notes to the cake.
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg Contributes an earthy flavor profile.
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Ensures light, airy texture in the bars.
  • 1 large egg Binds ingredients together for a cohesive batter.
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter Creates a tender crumb and rich flavor. Melt and slightly cool before mixing.
  • 1 cup freshly grated carrots Provides moisture and sweetness, enriching the flavor. Avoid pre-packaged shredded carrots for the best results.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened) Adds a creamy, tangy element to the swirl.
  • 1 large egg yolk Adds richness to the cream cheese mixture.
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cream cheese mixture for balance.

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch Baking Pan
  • microwave-safe bowl
  • whisk
  • Sifter
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 0.5 cup of unsalted butter until melted, then let cool slightly.
  3. Whisk in egg, light brown sugar, kosher salt, and vanilla extract into the cooled butter until smooth.
  4. Sift in all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir gently until just combined.
  5. Fold in freshly grated carrots until evenly dispersed.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, egg yolk, and granulated sugar until smooth.
  7. Pour carrot cake batter into prepared pan, spoon cream cheese mixture on top, and gently swirl together.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours, then slice into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Use fresh, grated carrots for optimal flavor and avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and fluffy.

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