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Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars

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  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are soft, moist dessert bars packed with grated carrots, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese swirl baked right in. They have all the flavor of classic carrot cake but are easier to make and perfect for sharing!

Ingredients

For the carrot cake batter:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

  • 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional for extra moisture)

For the cream cheese swirl:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 egg yolk

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. Make the batter:
    In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and pineapple (if using).

  3. Make the cream cheese filling:
    In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.

  4. Assemble:
    Pour most of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan, reserving about ½ cup. Spread it evenly. Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top and gently swirl with a knife. Drop the remaining batter on top in spoonfuls and swirl slightly again.

  5. Bake:
    Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting.

  6. Serve:
    Slice into bars and enjoy as-is, or chill for a firmer texture.

Notes

  • Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

  • These freeze well—wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Add raisins or shredded coconut for extra texture if you’d like.

Find it online: https://healthyhomeeats.com/cream-cheese-carrot-cake-bars/