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Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/irresistibly-indulgent-carrot-cake-cream-cheese-bars-recipe/