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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Deliciously moist and spiced carrot cake bars with a smooth cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 1 cup Carrots, grated Choose fresh, firm carrots without soft spots.
  • 1 large Egg Use room temperature for better mixing.
  • 1 large Egg yolk Add one at a time into the batter.
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
  • 1/2 tsp Baking powder Check the freshness for effectiveness.
  • 1 cup Brown sugar, light Provides moisture and sweetness.
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon, ground Adds warmth and flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar Can be reduced for less sweetness.
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Nutmeg, ground For additional spiciness.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract Pure extract gives better flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Butter, unsalted Use quality butter for best results.
For the frosting
  • 4 oz Cream cheese Use full-fat cream cheese, cold.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mixing
  1. Add the egg and egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. Fold in the grated carrots gently until evenly distributed.
Baking
  1. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center springs back when pressed and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  3. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Frosting
  1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Spread it evenly over the cooled bars.
  2. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.