Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars

These Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars combine all the best parts of classic carrot cake in an easy-to-make bar form. Featuring a moist, warmly spiced carrot cake base and a rich, creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese, these bars are the perfect dessert for spring gatherings, holidays, or cozy afternoons with coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot cake lovers will adore these simplified bars. They’re easier to make and serve than a full layer cake, but still deliver the same irresistible flavor. The soft carrot cake base is packed with flavor and texture, and the smooth cream cheese layer adds just the right amount of richness. They’re a portable, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s great for sharing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the carrot cake base:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Grated carrots
• Optional: chopped walnuts, raisins, shredded coconut

For the cream cheese layer:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare your pan:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add carrots and dry mixture:
   Stir the grated carrots into the wet mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in any optional add-ins.
5. Make the cream cheese filling:
   In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy and lump-free.
6. Assemble the bars:
   Pour about 2/3 of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Gently pour the cream cheese mixture on top and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining carrot cake batter over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl with a knife.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 3540 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Chill and cut:
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars for clean, firm pieces.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 24 bars
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 3540 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Total time: About 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Try stirring in crushed pineapple or shredded coconut for extra flavor and moisture.
• Frosted version: If you prefer, skip the cream cheese layer and frost the top with cream cheese frosting after baking.
• Nut-free: Omit any nuts for a softer, allergy-friendly treat.
• Mini version: Bake in mini muffin tins for bite-sized carrot cake cheesecake bites.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Freshly grated carrots are best for moisture and texture. Pre-shredded carrots are often too dry and thick.

Can I use applesauce instead of oil?

Yes, substitute up to half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based oil and milk if the recipe calls for it.

Why do I need to chill them before cutting?

Chilling helps the cream cheese layer firm up, giving you cleaner slices.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two pans or a larger sheet pan, adjusting the bake time as needed.

Can I add a frosting layer?

You can, though the cream cheese swirl is often enough. If desired, a light drizzle of cream cheese glaze works beautifully.

Do I have to swirl the batter?

Swirling is optional. You can layer the cream cheese over the base and top with more carrot batter for a layered look.

Are these suitable for Easter or spring holidays?

Absolutely! They’re a festive, seasonal dessert perfect for spring gatherings and Easter brunches.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are the ultimate treat for carrot cake fans who want all the flavor in a simpler, sliceable form. Moist, spiced cake meets creamy, tangy swirls of cheesecake in every bite. They’re easy to make, easy to share, and sure to become a new favorite at your dessert table.

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