Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

Discover the perfect balance of moist carrot cake and tangy cream cheese in these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars. Easy to make and full of warm spices, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup freshly grated carrots
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg yolk
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with heavy-duty non-stick aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, then let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Whisk in one large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
4. Step 4: Sift in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir gently to combine.
5. Step 5: Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots until evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with one egg yolk and ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and gently swirl the cream cheese mixture over the top using a knife or skewer.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before lifting from the pan and slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
• Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier flavor.
• Use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-shredded for the best moisture and sweetness.
• To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes or warm gently in the microwave for 10 seconds. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots for this recipe?

While pre-shredded carrots will work, freshly grated carrots provide better moisture and flavor, resulting in a more tender bar.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), the bars are done.

Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine the nostalgic warmth of classic carrot cake with an easy-to-make bar format. Featuring moist, spiced carrot cake batter swirled with a rich, tangy cream cheese mixture, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture in every bite. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in, they offer a delicious way to sneak in some veggies with minimal prep time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrot Cake Batter

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup freshly grated carrots

Cream Cheese Swirl

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg yolk
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with heavy-duty non-stick aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Melt Butter: Melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, then allow it to cool slightly to prevent cooking the egg in the next step.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients for Batter: Whisk the large egg, 1 cup light brown sugar, 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the cooled melted butter until thoroughly mixed.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Gently stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture to create a smooth batter without overmixing.
5. Fold in Carrots: Gently fold 1 cup freshly grated carrots into the batter to evenly distribute moisture and flavor.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 large egg yolk and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
7. Assemble and Swirl: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan evenly. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter for a marbled effect.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours to set properly. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the foil and slice into squares for serving.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is slightly cooled before adding the egg to avoid scrambling.
• Use heavy-duty foil for easier handling and removal of the bars from the pan.
• Grate the carrots freshly for best texture and moisture.
• The cream cheese swirl adds richness but can be omitted for a classic carrot cake bar.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For a nut-free version, omit any optional nuts if added.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese bars, dessert bars, carrot dessert, easy carrot cake, cream cheese swirl, spiced carrot cake