Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars are a true delight, blending the comfort of traditional carrot cake with the convenience of a bar. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, moist treat filled with sweet carrots and spices, all topped with a rich cream cheese swirl. That’s what you get with these bars! They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home. Plus, they come together easily, making them a go-to recipe that’ll quickly find a spot in your baking rotation.

Speaking of baking, let’s gather those ingredients, roll up our sleeves, and have some fun making these delicious Carrot Cake Bars. Trust me, the moment they come out of the oven, the smell will fill your kitchen and leave everyone asking for the recipe. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this moist and sweet treat—you’re in for a real treat!

What is Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional carrot cake, offering a rich and moist dessert experience in a convenient bar form. These bars combine the warm flavors of cinnamon, sweet brown sugar, and shredded carrots, topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Bars

These Carrot Cake Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Their soft, cake-like texture combined with the creamy cheesecake swirl creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a personal treat, these bars are a delicious way to indulge your sweet tooth.

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars

• ½ cup unsalted 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
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing Your Delicious Carrot Cake Bars

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by spraying it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Create the Carrot Cake Batter

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter by microwaving it for about 30 seconds, adding an additional 15 seconds if needed. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and packed brown sugar, stirring until well mixed. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, blending until smooth. Gradually add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, mixing until the batter is uniformly combined. Finally, gently fold in the shredded carrots.

Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar using a hand mixer until smooth. Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until completely creamy and well combined.

Assemble the Carrot Cake Bars

Spread about half of the carrot cake batter into the prepared baking pan using an off-set spatula. Pour half of the cream cheese mixture in dollops evenly across the carrot cake batter without swirling just yet. Carefully add the remaining carrot cake batter on top, followed by the remaining cream cheese mix in dollops. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect, according to your desired level of swirl.

Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for roughly 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center shows minimal jiggle. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Pair these Carrot Cake Bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of nuts on top for added contrast and flavor depth.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is completely melted to avoid lumps in the batter.
• Use fresh, finely shredded carrots for optimal moisture and sweetness.
• Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to maintain clean edges.

Variations

• Add crushed pineapple for added moisture and flavor.
• Mix in raisins or walnuts for an extra texture boost.
• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different kind of flour?
A1: Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative, but it may change the texture slightly.

Q2: How do I store leftover bars?
A2: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Q3: Can these bars be frozen?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just ensure they are well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Q4: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A4: Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a gluten-free version.

Q5: What serving size do you recommend?
A5: Cut the bars into 16 squares for a perfect treat size that allows for sharing!

These Carrot Cake Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a sweet finish to a meal, they’re certain to bring joy and satisfaction. Indulge in the delightful fusion of spices and creamy cheesecake that these bars offer, and savor every bite!

More Easy Desserts & Sweets Recipes:

• Coconut Icebox Cake
• Easter No-Bake Mini Egg Cheesecake
• Vegan Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
• Key Lime Pie

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Carrot Cake Bars

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These Carrot Cake Bars offer a delightful blend of sweetness and spice in a convenient form. Packed with shredded carrots and topped with a creamy swirl, they are perfect for any occasion. Ideal for sharing or personal enjoyment, these bars provide comfort and satisfaction.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup unsalted 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
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan.
• Melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar in a bowl.
• Add the egg and vanilla, blending until smooth, then incorporate flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and shredded carrots.
• In another bowl, beat cream cheese with granulated sugar and mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
• Layer half of the carrot cake batter in the baking pan, dollop half of the cream cheese mixture, followed by the rest of the batters, swirling to create a marbled effect.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are golden and center is set.
• Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Notes

Ensure the butter is completely melted for a smooth batter.
Freshly shredded carrots enhance moisture and flavor.
Cool completely for clean cuts when serving.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12
• Sodium: 150
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 4
• Unsaturated Fat: 2
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 25
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 2
• Cholesterol: 40