Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Bars (Printable Format)

Tender carrot bars feature sweet, creamy swirls and warming spice for a perfectly indulgent treat.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Batter

01 - 1 cup light brown sugar
02 - 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 0.5 cup unsalted butter
10 - 1 cup freshly grated carrots

→ Cream Cheese Swirl

11 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - 1 large egg yolk
13 - 0.5 cup granulated sugar

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with heavy-duty non-stick aluminum foil and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
02 - Melt 0.5 cup unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for approximately 1 minute; allow to cool slightly.
03 - Whisk in 1 large egg, 1 cup light brown sugar, 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended.
04 - Sift in 1 cup all-purpose flour, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg; stir gently just until combined.
05 - Fold in 1 cup freshly grated carrots until the batter is evenly mixed.
06 - In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 large egg yolk and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
07 - Spread carrot batter in the prepared pan, then spoon and swirl the cream cheese mixture over the top.
08 - Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
09 - Allow bars to cool in the pan at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Lift from the pan using foil and cut into squares.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - For best results, use freshly grated carrots for enhanced moisture and flavor.