Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars (Printable)
Moist spiced carrot cake layers swirled with rich cream cheese filling make these bars an irresistible handheld dessert.
# What You Need:
→ Carrot Cake Layer
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
08 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
13 - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
14 - 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
→ Cream Cheese Layer
15 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
16 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
17 - 1 large egg
18 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How To Cook:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
03 - Whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts.
04 - Add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir until just combined. Set aside.
05 - Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; blend until creamy and lump-free.
06 - Spread 2/3 of carrot cake batter into prepared pan. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over top. Dollop remaining carrot cake batter over cream cheese layer.
07 - Use knife or skewer to gently swirl batters together for marbled effect.
08 - Bake for 38-42 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean.
09 - Cool completely in pan. Refrigerate 2 hours for easier slicing. Cut into bars and serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Two beloved desserts combined into one handheld treat that feels like magic
- The marble pattern looks impressive but takes just a quick swirl with a knife
02 -
- Over-swilling will muddy the distinct layers so just three or four gentle passes with your knife
- The center should still have a slight wobble when you remove it from the oven
03 -
- Grate your carrots on the smallest holes of a box grater for the most tender texture
- Chill the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes before swirling if your batters seem too runny