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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Heavenly Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars You'll Love

Indulge in these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars featuring spiced carrots and creamy goodness, a delightful dessert 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: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the bars.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Provides warmth and depth to the batter.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Offers structure to the bars.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds cozy, warming spice.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Contributes a hint of earthiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures a light, airy texture.
  • 1 large Large Egg Binds ingredients together.
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Gives the bars a tender crumb and rich flavor.
  • 1.5 cups Freshly Grated Carrots Adds moisture, sweetness, and nutrition.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened) Supplies a creamy, tangy swirl.
  • 1 large Large Egg Yolk Enhances the richness of the mixture.
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cream cheese to balance flavors.

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • sifter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk one large egg into the melted butter, then stir in brown sugar, kosher salt, and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Sift in all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the wet ingredients and gently mix until just combined.
  5. Fold in 1 ½ cups of freshly grated carrots until evenly incorporated.
  6. Beat cream cheese with one egg yolk and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  7. Pour carrot batter into the pan, dollop cream cheese mix on top, and swirl together with a knife.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick starting at 25 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, then slice into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Use only freshly grated carrots for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and fluffy. Cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.

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