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Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 135 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

These Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine the classic flavors of carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese swirl, baked into convenient, shareable bars. With moist grated carrots, warm spices, and a tender crumb, these bars are perfect for dessert or an anytime treat. The recipe is easy to follow and yields a crowd-pleasing treat that cleverly sneaks in some veggies with a creamy, tangy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrot Cake 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, melted
  • 1 cup freshly grated carrots

Cream Cheese Swirl

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: 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 with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt Butter: Melt 0.5 cup of unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute and then let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs when added.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the large egg into the melted butter along with 1 cup light brown sugar, 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Gently stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in Carrots: Fold in 1 cup freshly grated carrots evenly into the batter to add moisture, texture, and nutrition.
  6. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 large egg yolk and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
  7. Assemble the Bars: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and then spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the carrot batter for a marbled effect.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Once cool, lift them out of the pan using the foil, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is cooled slightly before mixing with egg to prevent scrambling.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
  • Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and texture.
  • Allow bars to cool completely for the cream cheese swirl to set properly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • These bars can be made a day ahead and stored, flavors improve with resting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Carrot Cake Bars, Cream Cheese Bars, Carrot Cake Recipe, Cream Cheese Swirl, Dessert Bars, Easy Dessert, Snack Bars

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