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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Decadent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars with a Twist

Delightful Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars hiding sweet carrots and warm spices, perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Can use brown sugar for a similar taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt No substitutions required.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use pure vanilla for best results.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder Essential for leavening; no substitutes suggested.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon No substitutions recommended.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg No substitutions recommended.
  • 1 large Egg Flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Can use coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Carrots Avoid pre-shredded carrots for best results.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese Can use low-fat cream cheese if desired.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Avoid substitutions.
  • 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar Can use less sugar based on preference.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • butter knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with non-stick foil and spraying it lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute and allow it to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk one large egg into the melted butter, then incorporate 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  4. Sift in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, along with ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
  5. Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots into the batter until evenly distributed.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, one large egg yolk, and ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth.
  7. Pour the carrot batter into your prepared baking pan and swirl the cream cheese mixture over the top.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Allow bars to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use freshly grated carrots for optimal moisture and flavor; be gentle to maintain fluffiness, and allow cooling before slicing for clean cuts.

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