Description
Delicious carrot cake bars topped with a creamy cheese layer, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 to 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots, loosely packed
- 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F, line an 8×8-inch pan with heavy-duty non-stick aluminum foil for easier cleanup, and spray with cooking spray.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter by heating on high power for about 1 minute. Allow to cool to avoid scrambling the egg.
- Add the egg, brown sugar, all spices, and vanilla to the melted butter. Whisk to combine.
- Add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold the grated carrots into the batter. Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg yolk, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high until smooth and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Using a butter knife or spatula, lightly swirl the cream cheese mixture over the carrot cake batter. Do not mix too deeply.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan at room temperature, uncovered, for at least 2 hours (overnight preferred) before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese.
- Freshly grated carrots will provide better texture than pre-packaged grated carrots.
- Letting the bars cool overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg