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Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

Delight in these Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars, which combine the nostalgic flavors of classic carrot cake with a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl. These bars are moist, flavorful, and perfect for sharing as a convenient handheld dessert.

Ingredients

For the Batter

  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup freshly grated carrots

For the Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with heavy-duty non-stick aluminum foil and lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Melt Butter: Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, then allow it to cool slightly to prevent cooking the egg in the next step.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk in one large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted butter until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Fold in Carrots: Gently fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter to add moisture and natural sweetness.
  6. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 large egg yolk and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
  7. Combine and Swirl: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared baking pan and then dollop the cream cheese mixture over the top. Use a spatula or knife to swirl the cream cheese through the batter creating a marbled effect.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours to set properly. Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan using the foil and slice them into 16 squares for serving.

Notes

  • Freshly grated carrots enhance moisture and sweetness, contributing to the best texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a tender crumb and prevent a dense texture.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/irresistibly-indulgent-carrot-cake-cream-cheese-bars-recipe/