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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Deliciously Moist Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars to Savor

Indulge in these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars that blend tradition and convenience for a portable treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar Can be substituted with coconut sugar for a more natural option.
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Vanilla essence can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides the structural base.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds a cozy spice.
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg Provides earthiness.
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Ensures proper rise.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter Creates a tender crumb.
  • 1 cup freshly grated carrots Freshly grated preferred for moisture.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese Forms the creamy swirl.
  • 1 large egg yolk Adds richness.
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the mixture.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack

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, spraying lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30-45 seconds.
  3. Whisk together melted butter, one large egg, light brown sugar, kosher salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Sift in all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, then gently stir to combine.
  5. Fold in freshly grated carrots until evenly distributed.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with egg yolk and granulated sugar until smooth.
  7. Pour carrot batter into the prepared pan, and swirl the cream cheese mixture on top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
  9. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Let cool completely for clean slices.

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