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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Delicious Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars You'll Adore

Enjoy moist Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars with a delightful cream cheese swirl that balances indulgence and wellness.
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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: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Batter
  • 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 Contributes earthiness
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Ensures light texture
  • 1 large egg Binds ingredients
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter Creates a tender crumb
  • 1 cup freshly grated carrots Adds moisture and nutrition
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 4 ounces cream cheese Softened for mixing
  • 1 large egg yolk Adds richness
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cream cheese mix

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch Baking Pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • sifter
  • Butter knife
  • Microwave

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with non-stick aluminum foil.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter until fully melted, then allow to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk melted butter, 1 egg, 1 cup light brown sugar, 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together until glossy.
  4. Sift in 1 cup all-purpose flour, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg, then stir gently.
  5. Fold in 1 cup freshly grated carrots until evenly distributed.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 egg yolk, and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
  7. Pour carrot batter into the pan, dollop cream cheese mixture on top, and swirl together gently.
  8. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
  9. Cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use freshly grated carrots for best results, avoid overmixing for a light texture, and store appropriately to maintain freshness.

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