Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with moist grated carrots and a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfect for a dessert or afternoon treat, they are easy to make and impossible to resist.

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 until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots until evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
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 and creamy.
7. Step 7: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and evenly swirl the cream cheese mixture over the top using a knife or skewer.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before lifting them from the pan and slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and flavor; pre-shredded carrots tend to be drier.
• Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a pleasant crunch.
• For extra spice, sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves or ginger into the batter.
• If you prefer, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture.

Storage

Store the carrot cake cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving for a soft, creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just make sure to cover them tightly to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze the carrot cake cream cheese bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

These Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine the moist, spiced goodness of a classic carrot cake with a luscious, tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, sweet brown sugar, and fresh grated carrots, these bars deliver a rich yet tender crumb, ideal for any dessert lover looking for a delightful treat.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 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 softened cream cheese
• 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 and lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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 eggs when combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk together the melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Incorporate Carrots: Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots evenly throughout the batter to distribute moisture and flavor.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 large egg yolk and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
7. Assemble Bars: Pour the carrot cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring the bars are fully cooked but still moist.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil and slice into squares for serving.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is not too hot when mixing with eggs to prevent scrambling.
• Freshly grated carrots provide better moisture and texture than pre-shredded.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
• Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing helps maintain their shape.

Keywords: Carrot Cake Bars, Cream Cheese Swirl, Spiced Desserts, Moist Carrot Cake, Easy Dessert Bars