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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Moist Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars for Cozy Afternoons

Indulge in these delightful Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars, a perfect treat for cozy afternoons, combining moist cake with creamy frosting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup Brown sugar Can use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar Consider reducing for less sweetness.
  • 4 large Eggs Can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil Melted coconut oil works as a great substitute.
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Replace half with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder Ensure freshness for best results.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda Ensure freshness for best results.
  • to taste Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.) Adjust according to your taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
  • 2 cups Grated carrots Freshly grated is preferable for best flavor.
For the Frosting
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese Opt for plant-based cream cheese for a vegan alternative.
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking pan
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and granulated sugar with eggs until frothy, about 2-3 minutes. Stream in the vegetable oil, whisking until fully incorporated.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently folding together until just combined.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  8. In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Optionally add vanilla extract.
  9. Once bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, cut into squares, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze individually for up to 3 months.

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