Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars (Print Version)
Moist carrot bars topped with sweet cream cheese, delivering classic flavors in every convenient square.
# Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
02 -
½ teaspoon kosher salt
03 -
2 to 3 teaspoons cinnamon
04 -
1 teaspoon ground ginger
05 -
1 teaspoon allspice
06 -
½ teaspoon ground cloves
→ Carrot Cake Base Wet Ingredients
07 -
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
08 -
1 large egg
09 -
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
11 -
1 cup grated carrots, loosely packed
→ Cream Cheese Layer
12 -
4 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature (use full fat for best results)
13 -
1 egg yolk (discard white or save for another use)
14 -
¼ cup granulated sugar
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F, line an 8x8-inch pan with heavy-duty non-stick aluminum foil for easier cleanup, and spray with cooking spray.
02 -
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter by heating on high power for about 1 minute. Allow to cool to avoid scrambling the egg.
03 -
Add the egg, brown sugar, all spices, and vanilla to the melted butter. Whisk to combine.
04 -
Add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
05 -
Gently fold the grated carrots into the batter. Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture.
06 -
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and set aside.
07 -
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg yolk, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high until smooth and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
08 -
Using a butter knife or spatula, lightly swirl the cream cheese mixture over the carrot cake batter. Do not mix too deeply.
09 -
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10 -
Let the bars cool in the pan at room temperature, uncovered, for at least 2 hours (overnight preferred) before slicing and serving.
# Notes and Tips:
01 -
Use freshly grated carrots for better texture; avoid pre-shredded bagged carrots.