Go Back
–+ servings
Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Delicious Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars for Sweet Moments

Experience the delightful taste of Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars, a perfect treat for both kids and adults.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Batter
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cake.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure to the bars.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds cozy, warming spice.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Offers a hint of earthiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures a light, airy texture in the bars.
  • 1 large Egg Binds ingredients together.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Creates a tender crumb.
  • 1 1/2 cups Freshly Grated Carrots Contributes moisture and nutrition.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 8 ounces Softened Cream Cheese Provides a creamy, tangy swirl.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Adds richness to the cream cheese mixture.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cream cheese filling.

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • spatula
  • knife
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with non-stick aluminum foil and lightly grease it.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, a pinch of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture carefully.
  4. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of freshly grated carrots until evenly distributed.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 large egg yolk and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  6. Pour the carrot batter into the prepared pan, then dollop the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl with a knife.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.7mg

Notes

For a delightful twist, try adding mix-ins such as nuts or raisins to the batter before baking.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!