Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine the rich flavors of classic carrot cake with a smooth, tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfectly moist and warmly spiced, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.

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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, then let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Whisk in one large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
4. Step 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. Stir gently.
5. Step 5: Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots until evenly dispersed.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with one egg yolk and ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth.
7. Step 7: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and swirl the cream cheese mixture over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before lifting from the pan and slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture in the bars.
• Substitute walnuts or pecans for added crunch, folding them into the batter before baking.
• For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter substitute.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld nicely.

Can I freeze the carrot cake cream cheese bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

These Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine the moist, warmly spiced flavors of classic carrot cake with a luscious, tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfectly tender with a caramelized sweetness and a creamy finish, these bars are ideal for dessert or a special snack.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare 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 ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
2. Melt Butter: Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl by microwaving for about 1 minute. Allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk into the melted butter one large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Gently stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
5. Fold in Carrots: Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots carefully so they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter, adding moisture and texture.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with one large egg yolk and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
7. Assemble Bars: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared baking pan and then spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the carrot batter for a marbled effect.
8. Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
9. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This cooling time helps the bars set firmly. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the foil edges and slice into squares for serving.

Notes

• Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture.
• Softening the cream cheese at room temperature makes it easier to beat smoothly.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and moist.
• Allow thorough cooling before slicing to avoid crumbling.
• These bars can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and served chilled or at room temperature.

Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese bars, dessert bars, carrot cake, cream cheese swirl, baked dessert