Description
These Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine the moist, warmly spiced flavors of classic carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfectly portioned for easy sharing or snacking, these bars bring the nostalgic taste of carrot cake into a convenient handheld form. Made with simple ingredients like freshly grated carrots, spices, and a rich cream cheese topping, this recipe offers a comforting treat with a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess. Ideal for gatherings, dessert tables, or a cozy night at home, these bars bring both texture and flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients
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
- Prepare oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with heavy-duty non-stick aluminum foil and lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter by heating it for about 1 minute. Remove and allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.
- Mix wet ingredients for batter: Whisk the large egg into the melted butter until combined. Add 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then whisk thoroughly to create a smooth base.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Incorporate carrots: Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots carefully to distribute them evenly through the batter, adding moisture and texture.
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 large egg yolk, and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the carrot cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Once cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the foil and slice into squares for serving.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid dense bars.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth swirl and even distribution.
- Use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-shredded for optimal moisture and flavor.
- Allowing the bars to cool fully before cutting helps maintain clean edges and prevents crumbling.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Carrot cake bars, cream cheese swirl, carrot dessert, easy carrot cake, homemade carrot bars, moist carrot cake, spiced carrot bars
