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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Delicious Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars for Easy Delight

Indulge in irresistible Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars, packed with fresh veggies and a creamy swirl.
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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: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Can be substituted with white sugar.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt Can be replaced with sea salt.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Try substituting with pumpkin pie spice.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Freshly grated nutmeg significantly boosts flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Always verify freshness.
  • 1 large Egg Can substitute with a flax or chia egg.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Carrots Avoid pre-packaged shredded carrots.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened) Can substitute with vegan cream cheese.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Omit for a vegan version.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Can replace with a lower-calorie sweetener.

Equipment

  • 8X8-inch Baking Pan
  • microwave-safe bowl
  • Mixing Bowls
  • whisk
  • Mixer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with non-stick foil.
  2. Melt unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl until liquefied, about 30-40 seconds. Let cool slightly.
  3. Whisk the egg into the cooled butter, then mix in brown sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in another bowl. Fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Gently fold in grated carrots until evenly distributed.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, egg yolk, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  7. Spread the carrot batter evenly in the prepared pan, dollop cream cheese mixture on top and swirl gently with a knife.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool in the pan for at least 2 hours, then lift out using foil, slice into squares, and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated carrots and avoid overmixing the batter. Experiment with spices or add-ins for extra flavor.

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