Carrot Cake Bars Recipe

Are you craving that classic carrot cake flavor but don’t feel like making an entire layer cake? These carrot cake bars are the perfect solution! They combine all the warm spices and moist texture of traditional carrot cake with a creamy cheesecake swirl for a dessert that’s simpler to make but still absolutely delicious.

I first made these carrot cake bars when James was going through a picky eating phase and wouldn’t touch anything with vegetables. These treats became my sneaky way to get some carrots into him – and now they’re a family favorite!

David always asks for them when we have company coming over because they’re so easy to serve as finger food. Check out my ultimate apple crisp recipe for another family-friendly dessert that’s perfect for sharing!

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Bars

• Quick preparation All the carrot cake flavor you love in half the time of a traditional layer cake
• Perfectly portable Great for lunchboxes, picnics, or potlucks where cake might be too messy
• Cream cheese built right in No need for separate frosting steps with the cheesecake swirl baked into each bar

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Batter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded carrots

Cheesecake Swirl:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make the Best Carrot Cake Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix your melted butter with the brown sugar until well combined.
3. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and uniform.
4. Add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined – don’t overmix!
5. Gently fold in the shredded carrots. I find using a box grater on the fine side works best for getting those carrots perfectly shredded.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
7. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract to complete your cheesecake swirl mixture.
8. Spread about half of the carrot cake batter into your prepared baking pan. It might seem like a thin layer, but trust me, it works!
9. Drop spoonfuls of about half the cream cheese mixture on top.
10. Spread the remaining carrot cake batter over this, then add the rest of the cheesecake mixture in dollops.
11. Use a knife or toothpick to create pretty swirls by gently dragging through both batters. Don’t overdo it – just a few swipes will create that beautiful marbled effect.
12. Bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn slightly golden brown and the center is just set but still looks a little soft.
13. Let cool completely before cutting into bars – this is super important for clean slices!

How to Store Your Carrot Cake Bars

These bars contain cream cheese, so they need to be stored in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

The bars also freeze beautifully! Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Bars

Getting the Right Carrot Texture

The way you prepare your carrots makes a big difference in these bars. For the best texture, use the fine side of your box grater.

You want the carrots to be small enough to cook properly and blend into the batter, but not so fine that they disappear completely.

If your carrots seem really moist after grating, pat them gently with a paper towel. Too much moisture can make your bars soggy.

What to Serve With Carrot Cake Bars

These carrot cake bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to turn them into a special dessert plate, try serving them with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A drizzle of caramel sauce
• A dollop of whipped cream
• A sprinkle of toasted nuts

FAQs

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Carrot Cake Cookies Cream – Another delicious way to enjoy carrot cake flavors in a different format
• Carrot Banana Bread Recipe – The perfect breakfast treat combining two classic quick breads
• Pumpkin Cannoli Recipe – If you love creamy, spiced desserts, this is another must-try!

These carrot cake bars are such a joy to make and even more of a joy to eat! They’ve become one of those go-to recipes in my house that everyone gets excited about.

The first time Sophia tried them, she declared them “even better than regular carrot cake” – and coming from my little dessert critic, that’s high praise indeed!

I hope you’ll give these bars a try and let me know how they turn out for your family. I love seeing your creations, so don’t forget to leave a comment below or tag me on social media if you make them!eal prepping, or just craving a sweet treat, these bars are a must-try!

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Happy Baking

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