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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Delicious Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars You’ll Love to Make

These Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine moist carrot cake with a creamy swirl, perfect for dessert or a snack.
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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: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Batter
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar for a less processed option.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt Regular salt can be used, but adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour for a GF version.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Nutmeg can be paired or substituted for a flavor twist.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Fresh nutmeg can enhance flavor intensity.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder No substitution; essential for leavening.
  • 1 large Egg Flax egg can be used for vegan option.
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Carrots Avoid pre-packaged shredded carrots, as they may be drier.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened) For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk No substitutes recommended for the texture.
  • 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar Can use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch Baking Pan
  • Microwave-safe Bowl
  • Whisk
  • spatula
  • sifter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with heavy-duty non-stick aluminum foil, spraying the foil lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, then allow it to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk together the melted butter, one large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well-combined and creamy.
  4. Sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg into the wet mixture and gently stir until just combined.
  5. Fold 1 cup of freshly grated carrots into the batter using a spatula.
  6. Beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 large egg yolk, and ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Pour the carrot batter into the prepared pan and swirl the cream cheese mixture over the top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.
  9. Cool in the pan for about 2 hours before lifting and slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Allow the bars to cool completely for cleaner cuts and to let flavors meld beautifully.

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