Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars (Print Version)
Moist spiced carrot cake swirled with creamy cheesecake filling in an easy bar format.
# What You'll Need:
→ Carrot Cake Layer
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
03 - 1/4 tsp baking soda
04 - 1/4 tsp salt
05 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 tsp 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 tsp 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 tsp vanilla extract
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly blended.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
04 - Fold grated carrots, drained pineapple, and nuts into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
05 - Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Set aside.
06 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; blend until creamy and lump-free.
07 - Spread 2/3 of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Dollop remaining carrot cake batter over cream cheese layer.
08 - Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together for a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix.
09 - Bake for 38 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
10 - Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for 2 hours for easier slicing. Cut into bars and serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The marble pattern makes these look like you spent hours, but they come together in under 30 minutes of active prep time
- That cream cheese layer adds just enough tang to balance the sweet spiced carrot cake
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the cream cheese layer from seizing and creating unappetizing lumps
- Over swirling the batters muddies that beautiful marble pattern into a muddy mess
03 -
- Grate your carrots using the fine side of a box grater for the smoothest texture and even distribution
- Chill the cream cheese mixture for 10 minutes before swirling if it feels too runny