Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars (Printable)

Moist spiced carrot cake swirled with creamy cheesecake layer. These marbled bars combine classic flavors in an easy-to-serve dessert perfect for any occasion.

# What You 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat 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 well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth and incorporated.
04 - Fold grated carrots, drained pineapple, and nuts into wet mixture. Add dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
05 - Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Blend in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and lump-free.
06 - Spread two-thirds of carrot cake batter into prepared pan. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over top. Dollop remaining batter over cream cheese layer.
07 - Run knife or skewer gently through batters to swirl together, creating marbled pattern. Avoid over-mixing.
08 - Bake for 38 to 42 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean. Center should be set but slightly moist.
09 - Cool completely in pan. Refrigerate for 2 hours before slicing. Cut into 16 bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The marbled pattern makes these look fancy but they're surprisingly simple to throw together
  • You get the best of both worlds with moist spice cake and creamy cheesecake in every bite
  • These bars travel beautifully and actually taste better after chilling overnight
02 -
  • Cold cream cheese creates lumps that never quite disappear, so plan ahead and set it out on the counter early
  • Over swirling turns your beautiful marbled pattern into a muddy orange mess, so just 2 or 3 figure eights is plenty
  • These absolutely must chill completely before slicing or you'll end up with a messy, crumbly situation
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients mix together more smoothly and create a more cohesive texture
  • Grate your carrots finely using the small holes on a box grater for the most even distribution
  • Run your knife under hot water between slices for perfectly clean edges every time

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