Carrot Cake Delight Bars

Description

Introducing the Carrot Cake Delight Bars – a perfect fusion of rich carrot cake and creamy cheesecake swirls. This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional desserts, making it a wonderful treat for any special occasion or a cozy night in. The delightful combination of flavors and textures makes these bars a favorite for both carrot cake aficionados and cheesecake lovers alike.

Ingredients

For the carrot cake:

• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
• 1 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon optional orange zest

For the cheesecake swirl:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers all sides.

Step 2: Mix the Carrot Cake Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and melted butter until well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and grated carrots, mixing until fully integrated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. If using, add the orange zest. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Swirl

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the cheesecake mixture on top and use a butter knife to swirl the cheesecake mixture into the carrot cake batter.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the edges of the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.

Servings & Preparation Time

This recipe yields approximately 12 bars. Total preparation and cooking time is about 1 hour. Cooling time may require an additional 30 minutes for optimal texture.

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

The Carrot Cake Delight Bars offer a delightful and satisfying dessert option that combines the rich taste of carrot cake with the creamy smoothness of cheesecake. This recipe is sure to impress at your next gathering or provide a special treat for family dessert nights. Not only are these bars visually appealing with their contrasting swirls, but they also provide a flavorful experience that is hard to resist.

Carrot Cake Delight Bars

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Introducing the Carrot Cake Delight Bars – a perfect fusion of rich carrot cake and creamy cheesecake swirls. This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional desserts, making it a wonderful treat for any special occasion or a cozy night in. The delightful combination of flavors and textures makes these bars a favorite for both carrot cake aficionados and cheesecake lovers alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
• 1 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon optional orange zest
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers all sides.
2. Step 2: Mix the Carrot Cake Ingredients In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and melted butter until well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and grated carrots, mixing until fully integrated.
3. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Sift together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. If using, add the orange zest. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Swirl In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Layers Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the cheesecake mixture on top and use a butter knife to swirl the cheesecake mixture into the carrot cake batter.
6. Step 6: Bake Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
7. Step 7: Cool and Serve Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the edges of the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.

Nutrition

• Calories: Not specified