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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Delicious Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars to Savor Today

Indulge in these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars, a delightful dessert that combines warm spices, moist carrots, and cream cheese in an easy-to-make recipe.
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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
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup light brown sugar can substitute with granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt use regular table salt in half the amount
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or almond extract for a nutty twist
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free blend can be used
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon pumpkin spice can be a seasonal alternative
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg cloves can be a substitute
  • 1 tsp baking powder check for freshness
  • 1 large egg flax egg can be used for vegan option
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter coconut oil can be a substitute
  • 1 cup freshly grated carrots avoid pre-packaged shredded carrots
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened, vegan cream cheese for dairy-free option
  • 1 large egg yolk consider vegan substitute
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar powdered sugar can be used

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • mixing bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • spatula
  • knife or skewer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with non-stick foil.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute and let cool slightly.
  3. Whisk together melted butter, one large egg, 1 cup light brown sugar, kosher salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. In another bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg; gradually mix into wet ingredients.
  5. Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots until evenly distributed.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 large egg yolk, and ¼ cup granulated sugar until smooth.
  7. Spread the carrot batter in the baking pan and dollop the cream cheese mixture on top, swirling gently with a knife.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and avoid overmixing for light and fluffy bars.

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