Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars

These Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are dense, chewy, and super moist, with the classic flavors of carrot cake. What makes them even better is the cream cheese topping that’s baked right into the bars—no frosting needed! These bars are an easy and delicious alternative to traditional carrot cake, making them perfect for Easter or any time you’re craving a sweet, spiced treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • For the Carrot Cake Bars:

    • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

    • 1 large egg

    • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

    • 2 to 3 teaspoons cinnamon

    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

    • 1 teaspoon allspice

    • ½ teaspoon ground cloves

    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour

    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

    • 1 cup grated carrots (freshly grated recommended)

  • For the Cream Cheese Layer:

    • 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened

    • 1 egg yolk

    • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with non-stick aluminum foil for easy cleanup and spray with cooking spray.

  2. Prepare the Carrot Cake Base: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, then allow it to cool. Add the egg, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.

  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour and salt, followed by the grated carrots. Mix until just combined.

  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg yolk, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 4 minutes.

  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently swirl it with a butter knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. Enjoy!

Nutrients

  • Calories: 232 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 29g

  • Protein: 3g

  • Fat: 12g

    • Saturated Fat: 7g

    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g

  • Cholesterol: 61mg

  • Sodium: 137mg

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 20g

These moist, spiced bars with their creamy center are perfect for anyone who loves carrot cake but prefers a simpler, faster version!

Why Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Are a Great Option

Carrot cake is a beloved dessert, known for its rich, spiced flavor and moist texture. However, making a traditional carrot cake can often feel like a time-consuming process with multiple layers and frosting steps. These Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars offer all the delicious flavors of carrot cake, but in a simpler, more convenient form. The cream cheese layer baked right into the bars not only adds a smooth, rich texture but also gives the bars a delightful tang, making them even more indulgent.

These bars are perfect for those who love the flavor of carrot cake but prefer a quicker, more straightforward version. With just one pan, minimal ingredients, and no frosting required, these bars come together quickly and easily. They’re also great for sharing—whether you’re hosting a family dinner, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or just looking for a treat to enjoy at home.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Making these carrot cake bars is a simple, straightforward process that comes together in just a few steps. First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with non-stick aluminum foil, spraying it lightly with cooking spray for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Carrot Cake Base

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the egg, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, ground cloves, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and combined.

Next, stir in the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, followed by the freshly grated carrots. Mixing the carrots in at this stage ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving each bite a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Stir until the ingredients are just combined—don’t overmix to keep the texture of the cake light and fluffy.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

To make the cream cheese layer, beat the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl using an electric mixer. Beat for about 4 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This cream cheese layer adds a rich, tangy contrast to the spiced carrot cake, making the bars even more indulgent.

Assemble the Bars

Now, it’s time to assemble the bars. Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out into an even layer. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then gently swirl it with a butter knife. The swirling creates a marbled effect, allowing the cream cheese layer to bake beautifully into the carrot cake.

Baking the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the cream cheese layer should be set but still soft and creamy. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time ensures the bars set properly and makes them easier to slice into neat squares.

Nutritional Information of Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Each Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bar contains about 232 calories, making them a satisfying yet not overly indulgent treat. With 29 grams of carbohydrates, they offer a moderate amount of sweetness, while the 12 grams of fat (7 grams of which are saturated fat) help provide a rich, comforting texture. The bars also contain 3 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber, making them a more filling dessert option.

The sugar content is 20 grams per bar, which is typical for a dessert like this. While they do contain some sugar, the portion sizes are reasonable, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a sweet treat without going overboard.

Serving Suggestions for Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

These Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them with a few optional additions. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness and richness. If you’re making them for a special occasion, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top to add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft bars.

For an even more indulgent experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This makes for a decadent dessert perfect for dinner parties or holiday celebrations.

Customization and Variations

While these bars are delicious as is, they are easily customizable to suit different tastes. For instance, you could add raisins, currants, or even chopped pineapple into the carrot cake base for extra sweetness and texture. If you’re a fan of nuts, feel free to mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.

For those who prefer a dairy-free or vegan version, you can substitute the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg in the carrot cake base. Use a non-dairy butter substitute to make the recipe entirely dairy-free.

If you’re looking for a spicier version of these bars, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or even a small amount of ground cardamom to the batter for a warm, aromatic flavor.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect combination of moist, spiced carrot cake and a rich, creamy cream cheese layer—no frosting needed. They are simple to make, wonderfully indulgent, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration, a special dessert for the family, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With their dense texture, warm spices, and creamy topping, these bars are sure to satisfy your carrot cake cravings in a quick and easy way. They’re a delightful alternative to traditional carrot cake and are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Leave a Comment