Go Back
–+ servings
Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Decadent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars You’ll Love Forever

Delight in these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars featuring a luscious cream cheese swirl and hidden veggies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Base
  • 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 to the flavor profile
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour provides structure to the bars
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon adds a cozy, warming spice indicative of traditional carrot cakes
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg contributes a hint of earthiness to the mix
  • 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder ensures a light, airy texture
  • 1 Large Egg binds ingredients together, providing moisture
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter creates a tender crumb; melting helps integrate flavors
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Carrots adds moisture and sweetness
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened) provides a creamy, tangy swirl
  • 1 Large Egg Yolk adds richness to the cream cheese mixture
  • 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar sweetens the cream cheese swirl

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • microwave-safe bowl
  • whisk
  • sifter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan with non-stick aluminum foil, lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl until liquefied, then allow to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk in one large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
  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, mixing gently.
  5. Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots until evenly distributed.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, one egg yolk, and ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth.
  7. Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared baking pan and swirl the cream cheese mixture on top.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking for doneness at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick.
  9. Cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use freshly grated carrots for optimal sweetness and moisture. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and airy.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!