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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Irresistible Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars for Sweet Moments

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These Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a guilt-free dessert that combines sweet flavors with nutritious ingredients, 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: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavors and balances sweetness
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Adds warmth and depth
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure for the bars
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Imparts cozy, warming spice
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Adds a hint of earthiness
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures a light and airy texture
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder for the ingredients
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Creates a tender, moist crumb
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Carrots Contributes moisture and nutrition
Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened) Provides that creamy, tangy swirl
  • 1 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
  • Mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • knife

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with non-stick aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl until liquid.
  3. Whisk together the melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, a pinch of kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Sift in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots gently until evenly distributed.
  6. Beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 egg yolk, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan, dollop the cream cheese mixture on top, and swirl gently with a knife.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
  9. Cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated carrots and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container for optimal freshness.

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