Description
Indulgent carrot cake bars blend classic comfort with modern baking finesse, promising a delightful dessert experience. Moist, spiced layers packed with wholesome carrots and rich cream cheese frosting invite sweet moments of pure culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Topping:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, lightly coating with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter completely. Whisk in brown sugar until smooth, then incorporate the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, creating a thick batter. Gently mix in shredded carrots until evenly distributed.
- For the cheesecake layer, cream together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until silky. Blend in egg yolk and vanilla, ensuring a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Distribute half the carrot cake batter evenly across the prepared pan. Carefully drop spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture over the first layer. Cover with remaining carrot cake batter and top with additional cheesecake dollops.
- Using a knife or skewer, create intricate swirl patterns throughout the batter, blending the two mixtures decoratively but not completely mixing.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
- Once cooled, cut into individual bars and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour blend to make the bars suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Squeeze excess liquid from shredded carrots to prevent soggy bars and ensure a perfectly tender texture that doesn’t become wet or dense.
- Create beautiful marbled patterns by gently dragging a toothpick or thin knife through the batters in zigzag or figure-eight motions without overmixing.
- Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a richer taste over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 226
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 107 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg