Go Back
–+ servings
Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Delicious Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars You Can’t Resist

These Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful blend of traditional carrot cake and creamy goodness, making them a perfect dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cake.
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Brings warmth and depth to the batter.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure and stability to the bars.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds cozy, warming spice characteristic of carrot cake.
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg Offers a hint of earthiness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Ensures a light and airy texture for the bars.
  • 1 large egg Binds ingredients together for a cohesive batter.
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter Creates a tender crumb in the bars.
  • 1 cup freshly grated carrots Provides moisture, nutrition, and vibrant color.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened) Provides a creamy, tangy swirl.
  • 1 large egg yolk Adds richness and helps emulsify the cream cheese mixture.
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cream cheese for a perfect balance.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • 8x8-inch baking pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with non-stick aluminum foil and spraying it lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute and let it cool slightly.
  3. Whisk together the melted butter, 1 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 into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 large egg yolk and ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Spread the carrot cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, dollop the cream cheese mixture on top, and swirl gently with a butter knife.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness at 25 minutes with a toothpick.
  9. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 2 hours before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use fresh carrots to maximize flavor and moisture. Avoid overmixing for light texture. Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for neat cuts.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!