Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars
These carrot cake cream cheese bars are a melting pot of sweet, salty, and comforting flavors, complete with a tangy cream cheese swirl.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake
- 1 cup light brown sugar adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cake.
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract brings warmth and depth.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds a cozy, warming spice.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg adds a hint of earthiness.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder ensures light, airy texture.
- 1 large egg binds ingredients together.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter creates a tender crumb.
- 1 cup freshly grated carrots adds moisture and nutrition.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened) provides a creamy, tangy swirl.
- 1 large egg yolk adds richness.
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (about 175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, then mix in your grated carrots.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Swirl in your cream cheese mixture.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, then perform the toothpick test.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
Feel free to decorate as desired, but these bars are delicious on their own. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment.