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Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

These Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine the moist, warmly spiced carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese swirl for a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a tender crumb, flavorful spices, and a creamy topping, these bars deliver all the flavors of classic carrot cake in convenient, sliceable form.

Ingredients

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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 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, then lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Melt butter: Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, then allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg in the next step.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: Whisk in one large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted butter until well combined and smooth.
  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.
  5. Fold in carrots: Carefully fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots to ensure they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
  6. Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with one large egg yolk and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  7. Assemble bars: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the top and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
  9. Cool and slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the foil, then slice into 16 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture in the bars.
  • Letting the bars cool completely before slicing helps them hold together better.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For a nut-free version, avoid adding any nuts or substitutes.

Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese bars, carrot cake dessert, easy carrot cake recipe, baked carrot bars

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