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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Deliciously moist and creamy carrot cake bars with a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for those seeking a healthy dessert option.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and depth of flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Brings warmth and complements spices
  • 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Introduces warm spice notes
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Adds spiciness
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures a fluffy texture
  • 1 large Egg Binds ingredients and aids rising
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Contributes creaminess
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Carrots Infuses natural sweetness and moisture
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese Creates a luscious frosting
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Intensifies creaminess
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Complements brown sugar for balanced sweetness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Add the softened unsalted butter and cream together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Baking
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  2. Fold in the freshly grated carrots, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
  3. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
  4. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Let it cool completely in the pan before frosting with cream cheese mixture.
Frosting & Serving
  1. While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and egg yolk until smooth.
  2. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars.
  3. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs. Freshly grated carrots provide maximum moisture and flavor. You may substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option. Ensure bars cool completely for easier frosting application.