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Carrot Cake Bars: A Delicious and Easy Dessert Recipe

Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, combining the warm spices of carrot cake with a creamy cheesecake swirl. These bars are easy to make, perfect for dessert, and great for sharing. They’re moist, flavorful, and topped with a beautiful marbled design. Plus, they’re packed with shredded carrots, adding a touch of nutrition to your treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Carrot Cake Bars:

  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded carrots

Cheesecake Swirl:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Carrot Cake Batter:
    • Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl (30 seconds, then 15 seconds if needed).
    • In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
    • Stir in the egg and vanilla extract.
    • Add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
    • Fold in the shredded carrots. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Cheesecake Swirl:
    • In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until smooth.
    • Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy.
  4. Assemble:
    • Spread half of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan.
    • Drop dollops of half the cheesecake batter over the carrot cake layer.
    • Add the remaining carrot cake batter, spreading it gently.
    • Top with dollops of the remaining cheesecake batter.
    • Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together.
  5. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle.
  6. Cool & Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded carrots for the best texture and flavor.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth swirl.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
  • For clean cuts, chill the bars before slicing.
  • Customize with add-ins like chopped nuts or raisins if desired.

Nutrition