Name: Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
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

Introduction

Bright orange carrots transform into irresistibly indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars, merging the nostalgic flavors of classic carrot cake with the convenience of a handheld treat. These bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy dessert, featuring a tender crumb and a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl.

The image shows a close-up of two stacked dessert squares with three layers. The bottom layer is a dense, coarse-textured brown base mixed with small bits of orange, likely carrot, forming a crunchy foundation. The middle layer is a thick, smooth, creamy white filling, sitting evenly over the base. The top layer features a finely crumbed, golden-brown crust, sprinkled with small pieces of orange carrot and a dusting of sugar or spice that sparkles under the light. The stacked squares are set against a white marbled surface, with more similar pieces blurred in the background to highlight the focus on the front two squares. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 cool slightly.

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.

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.

Step 5: Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots until evenly dispersed.

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.

Step 7: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and swirl the cream cheese mixture over the top.

Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before lifting from the pan and slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.

You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.

Try adding a pinch of ground ginger for an additional warm spice note.

Ensure the cream cheese is completely softened to avoid lumps in the swirl mixture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots for this recipe?

Yes, pre-shredded carrots can be used, but freshly grated carrots will provide better moisture and texture for the bars.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 for best results. Be sure to check that the baking powder is gluten-free as well.