Introduction

These Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars combine the warm spices and moist texture of classic carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, they are easy to make and sure to please any crowd.

The image shows a close-up of three square dessert bars stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two clear layers: the bottom layer is a moist, dense cake-like texture with visible small orange carrot bits, brown in color, and the top layer is a smooth, creamy beige frosting with faint drizzle lines on top, creating a slightly textured look. The bars have clean-cut edges, and the top bar has a small bite taken from one corner, revealing the soft inside of both layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 large egg
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
2 to 3 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1 cup grated carrots (loosely packed)
4 ounces brick-style cream cheese (softened to room temperature, use full fat for best results)
1 egg yolk (discard white or save for another use)
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with heavy duty non-stick aluminum foil for easier cleanup if desired, and spray with cooking spray.
Step 2: Melt the butter by heating it in a large microwave-safe bowl on high power for about 1 minute. Let it cool slightly to avoid scrambling the egg.
Step 3: Whisk the egg, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, ground cloves, and vanilla extract into the cooled melted butter until combined.
Step 4: Stir in the flour and salt gently, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the grated carrots. For best texture, grate carrots using the coarsest blade of a box grater. Avoid pre-shredded bagged carrots as they tend to be firmer.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Set aside.
Step 7: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, and granulated sugar on high with a handheld electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
Step 8: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the carrot batter. Use the blade of a butter knife or tip of a spatula to lightly swirl the cream cheese into the batter. It will only blend on the surface, which is perfect.
Step 9: Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Allow the bars to cool uncovered in the pan at room temperature for at least 2 hours; overnight cooling is best before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
If you prefer a stronger cream cheese flavor, increase the cream cheese layer by adding an extra ounce and adjusting the sugar accordingly.
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the swirl layer.
Use fresh grated carrots rather than pre-shredded to retain the best texture and moisture.

Storage

Store the carrot cake cream cheese bars tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before serving for the best flavor and texture. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of three square dessert bars on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two layers: the bottom layer is brown with visible small orange bits, giving a chunky, moist texture, while the top layer is creamy beige, smooth, and slightly firm. The top layer has subtle lines drizzled across it, adding a slightly shiny appearance. In the background, parts of more bars can be seen, keeping the focus on the three stacked bars in the center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen grated carrots?

It’s best to use fresh grated carrots because frozen carrots can release extra moisture and affect the texture. If you use frozen, thaw and drain any excess liquid thoroughly before adding to the batter.

Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the swirl. Replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute, but note these changes may alter the texture slightly.