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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Deliciously Moist Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars You’ll Love

Irresistible Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine comforting flavors with a creamy swirl for a delightful dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 9 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Batter
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cake.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure to the bars.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds cozy, warming spice.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Contributes a hint of earthiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures a light and airy texture.
  • 1 large Large Egg Binds all ingredients together.
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Creates a tender crumb in the bars.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Carrots Adds moisture and nutrition; use fresh for best results.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened) Provides a creamy, tangy swirl.
  • 1 large Large Egg Yolk Adds richness to the cream cheese mixture.
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • microwave-safe bowl
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • toothpick

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.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in 20-second intervals until fully melted.
  3. Whisk together one large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in the bowl with cooled melted butter.
  4. Sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg into the wet mixture, gently stir until combined.
  5. Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 large egg yolk, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until smooth.
  7. Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan, then dollop the cream cheese mixture over the batter and swirl gently.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Let the bars cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated carrots and avoid overmixing the batter. Allowing the bars to cool completely will help with slicing.

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