These Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on classic carrot cake, combining moist, spiced cake batter with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home, these bars are easy to make and even easier to share. With their tender crumb, warm spices, and creamy topping, they’re sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cook Time
- 25–30 minutes
Total Time
- 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
Servings
- 12 bars
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 6 ounces block-style cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
For the Carrot Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup finely shredded carrots, packed
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Carrot Cake Batter
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and whisk until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the finely shredded carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Spread the carrot cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the top of the batter in spoonfuls. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix—just aim for a pretty swirl pattern.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (avoid overbaking).
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips
- Finely Shred the Carrots: Use the fine side of a grater to ensure the carrots blend seamlessly into the batter without being too chunky.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Bar, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days .
- Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month . Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Variations
- Add-Ins: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the batter for an extra kick of spice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Carrot Cake Bars are the perfect combination of moist, spiced cake and creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl. They’re easy to make, portable, and just as delicious as traditional carrot cake but in bar form. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to satisfy.
Ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the cozy flavors of carrot cake in every bite!
