Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars (Printable Version)
Moist spiced carrot cake layers swirled with tangy cream cheese filling create these irresistible bars, perfect for sharing.
# What You Need:
→ Carrot Cake Layer
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
03 - 1/4 tsp baking soda
04 - 1/4 tsp salt
05 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
08 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
12 - 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
13 - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
14 - 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
→ Cream Cheese Layer
15 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
16 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
17 - 1 large egg
18 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Fold in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and nuts if using. Stir until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
05 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Set aside.
06 - In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; blend until completely lump-free.
07 - Spread 2/3 of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Dollop the remaining carrot cake batter over the cream cheese layer.
08 - Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together in a circular motion, creating a marbled effect without overmixing.
09 - Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with moist crumbs attached.
10 - Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for easier slicing. Cut into 16 bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The marbled swirl makes these look fancy but theyre actually incredibly forgiving to make
- You get the best of both worlds without choosing between carrot cake and cheesecake
02 -
- Room temperature cream cheese is non negotiable for getting that smooth marble effect
- Over swirling will muddy the pattern so show some restraint with your knife
03 -
- Grate your carrots by hand instead of buying pre grated for way more moisture and flavor
- Line your pan with parchment going both directions for literally foolproof removal