Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars (Printable View)
Moist carrot cake swirled with creamy cheesecake for a marbled dessert bar perfect for any occasion.
# What You'll 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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving 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 well blended.
04 - Gently fold in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and nuts if using until evenly distributed.
05 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir 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 smooth and lump-free.
07 - Spread 2/3 of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan, creating an even layer. 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 or zigzag motion, creating a marbled effect without over-mixing.
09 - Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
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 Advice:
01 -
- The marble of sweet cream cheese and spiced carrot cake creates the perfect bite every time
- These bars store beautifully and actually taste better after chilling overnight
02 -
- Room temperature cream cheese is non negotiable unless you want tiny lumps throughout your beautiful swirl
- Let these bars chill completely before slicing or the cream cheese layer will smear and lose its pretty marble
03 -
- Grate your carrots finely by hand rather than using a food processor which can make them too watery
- Press the parchment paper into the corners with the back of a measuring spoon for the smoothest surface