Description
Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Bars are a moist, spiced dessert with layers of tender carrot cake and a rich cream cheese swirl, perfect for springtime gatherings or holiday treats.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
- 1 egg (for cream cheese mixture)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese mixture)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts if using.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour 3/4 of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Spoon the remaining carrot cake batter over the top and lightly swirl again.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- You can substitute applesauce for pineapple for a different flavor twist.
- These bars can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg