Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Introduction
Bright orange grated carrots transform into irresistibly indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars. This dessert combines the warming spices and moist texture of classic carrot cake with a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl. 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
- 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.
- Step 2: Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, then let it cool slightly.
- Step 3: Whisk in one large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 4: Sift in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots until evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
- Step 6: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with one egg yolk and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth.
- Step 7: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or skewer.
- Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 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.
- Use canned crushed pineapple drained well to add moisture and a subtle tangy sweetness.
- Swap nutmeg for ground ginger if you prefer a slightly spicier flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth swirl.
Storage
Store the carrot cake cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors even improve after a few hours of chilling.
Can I freeze the bars?
Absolutely. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
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Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine the warm, cozy flavors of traditional carrot cake with the creamy tang of a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfectly moist and tender, these bars bake up quickly and are easy to slice for sharing. They’re a delightful handheld dessert that sneaks in the nutrition of fresh carrots, making them a nostalgic yet convenient treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Carrot Cake Batter
- 1 cup light brown sugar – adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cake
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt – enhances the flavors of all the ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – brings warmth and depth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – provides structure
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds a cozy, warming spice
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a hint of earthiness
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder – ensures light, airy texture
- 1 large egg – binds ingredients together
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter – creates a tender crumb
- 1 cup freshly grated carrots – adds moisture and nutrition
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – provides a creamy, tangy swirl
- 1 large egg yolk – adds richness
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the cream cheese mixture
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking 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 prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt 0.5 cup of unsalted butter for about 1 minute. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Batter: Whisk the melted butter with 1 large egg, 1 cup light brown sugar, 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Carrots: Fold in 1 cup freshly grated carrots evenly to ensure moisture and texture throughout the batter.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 large egg yolk, and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Layer and Swirl: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the foil edges and slice into squares for serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is slightly cooled before mixing with egg to avoid curdling.
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and flavor.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free, but texture may vary.
- For a stronger spice flavor, increase cinnamon or nutmeg slightly.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese bars, carrot dessert, easy carrot cake, baked carrot bars, cream cheese swirl, homemade carrot cake bars
