Indulge in the delicious flavors of carrot cake with a creamy twist in these irresistible Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The combination of caramel-like sweetness from light brown sugar and tangy cream cheese creates a decadent flavor profile.
- With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, these bars are perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dessert option.
- The moist and tender crumb of the carrot cake paired with the creamy swirl of cream cheese makes these bars a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Batter:
- Light brown sugar adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cake.
- Kosher salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour provides structure.
- Ground cinnamon adds a cozy, warming spice.
- Ground nutmeg adds a hint of earthiness.
- Baking powder ensures a light, airy texture.
- Large egg binds ingredients together.
- Unsalted butter creates a tender crumb.
- Freshly grated carrots add moisture and nutrition.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Cream cheese (softened) provides a creamy, tangy swirl.
- Large egg yolk adds richness.
- Granulated sugar sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to °F (°C) and line an x-inch baking pan with heavy-duty non-stick aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
- Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for about a minute, then let cool slightly.
- Whisk in one large egg, of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
- Sift in of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir gently.
- Fold in of freshly grated carrots until evenly dispersed.
- In a separate bowl, beat ounces of softened cream cheese with one egg yolk and ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth.
- Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and swirl the cream cheese mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before lifting from the pan and slicing into squares.
Helpful Tips:
- Freshly grated carrots improve moisture and sweetness in the bars.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure the best texture.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- Swirl the cream cheese mixture gently for a beautiful marbled effect.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought shredded carrots instead of freshly grated ones?
- Freshly grated carrots provide better moisture and sweetness in the bars, but you can use store-bought if needed.
- How can I prevent the cream cheese swirl from sinking to the bottom of the bars?
- Be sure to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter before baking to prevent sinking.
- Can I freeze these Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars?
- Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Are there any nuts or raisins that can be added to the batter?
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
Try out these irresistible Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars for a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of carrot cake with a creamy twist. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy the delicious results!
Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of moist carrot cake with a tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfect for indulging your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil.
- Mix Batter: Melt butter, whisk in egg, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Sift in flour, spices, and baking powder. Fold in carrots.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: Beat cream cheese, egg yolk, and sugar until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Pour batter into pan, swirl cream cheese mixture on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Cool for 2 hours, then slice into squares.
Notes
- Freshly grated carrots add moisture and sweetness.
- Avoid overmixing the batter for best texture.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg