Description
These easy dessert bars skip the layer cake fuss! Enjoy spiced, buttery carrot-cinnamon crumbs blended with a tangy cream cheese filling. Baking in an 8×8 pan makes it simple.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Large Egg: 1
- Finely Shredded Carrots: 1/2 cup
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, shredded carrots, and ground cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly set.
- Step 3: While the crust is par-baking, prepare the filling. In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and egg until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. (Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of alcohol-free vanilla extract here).
- Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm, partially baked crust.
- Step 5: Crumble the remaining one-third of the carrot cake crumb mixture over the top of the cream cheese filling. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cream cheese filling is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares before serving.
Notes
- These creamy bars are best stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; chilling them overnight yields the cleanest, easiest cuts.
- While these are traditionally served chilled, if you prefer the crumb topping slightly softer, let the bars sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving—do not microwave or reheat.
- For a gourmet touch, serve each chilled square with a dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of warmed caramel sauce.
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened (room temperature) before mixing the filling; this prevents lumps and guarantees a velvety texture that bakes up perfectly smooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dessert bar (approx 2" x 2")
- Calories: 260
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 17.5g
- Saturated Fat: 11.0g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 27.1g
- Protein: 23g