Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
27 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 32 mins
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Servings
12 servings
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Calories
232 kcal
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Course
Baked Goods
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Cuisine
American
Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars
Description
This recipe starts with melting unsalted butter, which is cooled before mixing with egg, brown sugar, a blend of warm spices, vanilla, flour, and salt. Coarsely grated fresh carrots are incorporated into this spiced batter to provide moisture and texture characteristic of carrot cake.
The cream cheese topping is prepared by beating softened cream cheese with an egg yolk and granulated sugar until fluffy and smooth. This mixture is spread evenly over the carrot batter in an 8x8 inch pan, creating two distinct layers.
Baked at 350 degrees F, the bars develop a tender, moist texture with aromatic spices balanced by the smooth, slightly tangy cream cheese layer on top. The recommended carrot grating on the coarser side helps maintain a pleasant bite, while avoiding pre-shredded carrots that can be firmer and alter texture.
These bars can be stored at room temperature for a few days, refrigerated for longer freshness, or frozen for extended storage. Raisins or nuts can be added to the batter if desired for added texture and flavor variation. The robust spice level can be adjusted to taste by reducing the quantities by half for a milder profile.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter melted, unsalted
- 1 egg large
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 to 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon cloves ground
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1 cup carrot loosely packed, grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temp (use full fat for best results, brick-style
- 1 egg discard white or save for another use, yolk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F, line an 8x8-inch pan with heavy duty non-stick aluminum foil for easier cleanup if desired, and spray with cooking spray.
- To a large microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and heat on high power to melt, about 1 minute. Allow the melted butter to cool so you don’t scramble the egg.
- Add the egg, brown sugar, all spices, vanilla, and whisk to combine.
- Add the flour, salt, and stir to combine; don't overmix.
- Add the carrots and stir to combine. Note - I recommend grating the carrots on the coarsest blade of a box grater for best results. I don't advise using pre-shredded carrots in bags that you can buy because the texture is much firmer and harder.
- Turn the batter out into prepared pan, smooth the top with a spatula; set aside.
- To a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and beat on high with a handheld electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Turn the cream cheese out over the carrot batter using the blade of a butter knife or the tip of a spatula, and lightly swirl the cream cheese into the carrot batter. It won't swirl in very deeply but just a bit is all you need.
- Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the blondies to cool, uncovered in the pan, at room temp, for at least 2 hours (overnight is preferred) before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Reduce the spices by half for a milder flavor if preferred.
- Add 1/2 cup raisins or nuts to the batter when mixing in the carrots for variation.
- Store bars at room temperature up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 4 months.
- Use coarsely grated fresh carrots rather than pre-shredded bags to ensure better texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 232 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 232kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Cholesterol | 61mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 137mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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