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Carrot Cake Bars: A Delicious and Easy Dessert Recipe

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There’s something special about the warmth of carrot cake—it reminds me of cozy afternoons in grandma’s kitchen, where the scent of cinnamon filled the air. These Carrot Cake Bars bring that same nostalgia but with a luscious cheesecake swirl that takes them to the next level! Soft, moist, and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Give them a try and let me know how they turn out!

Ingredients

Scale

Carrot Cake Bars:

  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded carrots

Cheesecake Swirl:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Carrot Cake Batter:
    • Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
    • In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
    • Stir in the egg and vanilla extract.
    • Add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
    • Fold in the shredded carrots. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Cheesecake Swirl:
    • In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until smooth.
    • Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy.
  4. Assemble:
    • Spread half of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan.
    • Drop dollops of half the cheesecake batter over the carrot cake layer.
    • Add the remaining carrot cake batter, followed by the rest of the cheesecake batter.
    • Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center has little jiggle.
    • Let the bars cool completely before cutting.

Notes

  1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake swirl.
  2. Shredded Carrots: Use freshly shredded carrots for the best texture and flavor.
  3. Swirling Technique: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.
  4. Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
  5. Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.gernarb.com/carrot-cake-bars-a-delicious-and-easy-dessert-recipe/