Description
These Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a delicious twist on the classic cake—moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a creamy, tangy layer of cream cheese and a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon clove
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crumb)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for crumb)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until frothy. Add oil and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
4. Fold in grated carrots until evenly distributed.
5. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until creamy.
6. Pour carrot batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top and swirl, or spread evenly.
7. Mix crumb topping ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle over the top.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and texture—avoid pre-shredded.
For a cleaner swirl, ensure the cream cheese is softened and well blended before marbling.
Chill the bars before cutting for clean, neat slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: carrot cake bars, cream cheese bars, carrot dessert