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, moist, and creamy, these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars offer the perfect balance of spice and sweetness in a convenient, handheld form. Combining the warm flavors of carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese swirl, this recipe is ideal for sharing or treating yourself. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in no time.

A close-up view of two stacked dessert bars showing three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a moist, crumbly brown base mixed with visible orange carrot shreds; the middle layer is a thick, creamy, smooth white filling; the top layer is a light brown crumbly sprinkle with some browned spots and scattered orange carrot bits, giving a textured look. More dessert bars blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. 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 it cool slightly.

Step 3: Whisk in one large egg, 1 cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4: Sift in 1 cup 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 freshly grated carrots until evenly dispersed throughout the batter.

Step 6: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces 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, then dollop and gently swirl the cream cheese mixture over the top using a knife or skewer.

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 moisture, try adding ¼ cup crushed pineapple or applesauce to the batter.

Substitute walnuts or pecans for added texture if you like some crunch.

Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer flavor, or light cream cheese for a lighter option.

Grate the carrots finely to ensure even distribution and a tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots instead of fresh?

While pre-shredded carrots can work in a pinch, fresh grated carrots provide better moisture and texture, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bar.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup similarly. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.