Description
Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect blend of traditional carrot cake flavors in a convenient, bite-sized form. These delightful dessert bars feature moist, spiced cake studded with shredded carrots and topped with a rich cream cheese layer. They are incredibly easy to make and ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations like Easter. With their inviting aroma and creamy topping, these bars are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 baking pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until blended. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in shredded carrots gently using a rubber spatula.
- Pour the batter into the baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling slightly, prepare the cream cheese topping by beating together cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bars and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg