Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars
These rich and moist carrot cake cream cheese bars combine warm spice and a tangy cream cheese swirl, perfect for sharing as a dessert or treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cake.
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Brings warmth and depth.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds a cozy, warming spice.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg Adds a hint of earthiness.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Ensures light, airy texture.
- 1 large egg Binds ingredients together.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter Creates a tender crumb.
- 1 cup freshly grated carrots Adds moisture and nutrition.
Cream Cheese Layer
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened) Provides a creamy, tangy swirl.
- 1 large egg yolk Adds richness.
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch pan or line it with parchment.
- In a bowl, beat the unsalted butter with light brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Stir the dry mix into the wet mix until just combined.
- Fold in the freshly grated carrots.
- Press half of the carrot batter into the prepared pan in an even layer.
Cream Cheese Layer
- Beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg yolk and another 0.5 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then mix until silky.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the pressed carrot layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining carrot batter over the cream cheese and gently spread to cover.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is light golden and a toothpick in the cake layer comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan on a rack. Chill if you want firmer slices.
- Lift from the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream. These bars pair well with coffee or a glass of milk.