Carrot Cake Bars Recipe | Moist, Spiced Dessert Squares
When I first baked these carrot cake bars recipe, I couldn’t believe how perfectly moist and flavorful they turned out! Between the warm, spiced carrot cake layers and the creamy swirls of cheesecake, they were an instant hit with everyone who tried them.
Whether you’re celebrating Easter, hosting brunch, or just craving the comforting taste of carrot cake, this recipe is a must-try. Just like my Boston Cream Doughnuts Recipe, it’s the kind of dessert that brings cozy, bakery-style sweetness right to your home kitchen.
Trust me, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to bake again and again. With its simple preparation and irresistible combination of flavors, I couldn’t wait to share it so you can enjoy it too. You’ll love the chewy texture, the touch of cinnamon, and how rewarding it feels to create something this delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These carrot cake bars elevate a classic dessert into something easy-to-make yet unforgettable.
Rich, Moist, and Perfectly Spiced
Every bite of these bars is moist, tender, and layered with just the right amount of cinnamon and sweetness. The drizzle of cheesecake swirl adds an extra layer of decadence. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert with warm, cozy flavors. That swirl of tangy creaminess takes it over the top!
Simple and Quick to Make
You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip these up. With a few everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together with ease. No fancy tools or techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Great for when you want something special without the stress.
Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
These bars are fantastic for holidays, birthdays, or casual get-togethers. Carrot cake is always a favorite, and this handheld version is even more fun to share! Guests will love the familiar flavor in a portable form. They’re a hit with both kids and adults alike, especially when served alongside chewy favorites like Chewy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe.
Customizable to Your Preferences
From adding nuts for crunch to swapping cream cheese for alternative fillings, this recipe is versatile enough to personalize just the way you like. Toss in raisins, pineapple, or even coconut for a unique twist. It’s easy to adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Baking
Busy schedule? These bars store beautifully, meaning you can bake them ahead of time and have a treat ready to impress at a moment’s notice. They stay moist for days and taste even better the next day. Ideal for prepping before a holiday or special event.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring these bars to life:
- Butter
- Light brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Ground cinnamon
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Shredded carrots
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
Variations
Take these classic carrot cake bars up a notch with these ideas!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. The texture will stay just as moist and delicious.
- Add-ins: Stir in crushed pineapple, golden raisins, or chopped pecans for extra flavor.
- Healthier Options: Substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use vegan cream cheese for the swirl.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Hand Mixer: To make the cream cheese swirl super smooth.
- Box Grater: Perfect for shredding fresh carrots.
- 8×8 Baking Pan: To bake the bars to golden perfection.
- Parchment Paper: For easy removal and cleaner slicing.
How to Make Carrot Cake Bars?
It’s time to bake this carrot-packed favorite! Just follow these simple steps to enjoy your own homemade carrot cake bars.
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 8×8 baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk it together with the brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring to combine. Next, mix in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to form a thick batter. Gently fold in the freshly shredded carrots until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Swirl
In a separate bowl, whip softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer. Beat until the mixture is silky and lump-free.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Pour half of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Add dollops of the cheesecake mixture on top. Pour the rest of the carrot cake batter over and around the cheesecake mixture, followed by the remaining cheesecake batter in small spoonfuls.
Step 5: Create the Swirl
Using a skewer or butter knife, swirl the cheesecake into the carrot cake batter to create beautiful patterns. Be careful not to overdo it for the best visual results.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be golden brown with the center just slightly jiggly. Cool the bars completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Use Fresh Carrots: Avoid pre-shredded carrots; they’re often dry and lack flavor. Freshly shred them for the best texture and taste.
Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining your pan ensures easy removal and neat, professional-looking bars.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining the batter, whisk just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make the bars dense.
Chill for Clean Cuts: Once baked and cooled, refrigerate the bars for an hour to make cutting them into clean squares easier.
Double the Cream Cheese Swirl: For extra richness, double the cheesecake mixture for a more noticeable swirl in every bite.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars
These bars are delicious on their own, but here are some serving ideas to elevate your dessert.
- Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy, airy contrast to the moist bars.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle a light dusting on the cooled bars before serving for an elegant finish.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: The warm cinnamon flavors pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or Earl Grey tea.
Nutritional Information
Each serving delivers a balance of sweetness and spice, approximately for 9 bars.
- Calories: 323
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 15g
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigeration
Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for 3-5 days. They taste delicious straight out of the fridge or at room temperature.
Freezing
If you’d like to extend their shelf life, freeze individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a sealed container. Defrost in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture.
These carrot cake bars are the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. Easy to make, customizable, and utterly delicious, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!
Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 8×8 baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk it together with the brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring to combine. Next, mix in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to form a thick batter. Gently fold in the freshly shredded carrots until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whip softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer. Beat until the mixture is silky and lump-free.
- Pour half of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Add dollops of the cheesecake mixture on top. Pour the rest of the carrot cake batter over and around the cheesecake mixture, followed by the remaining cheesecake batter in small spoonfuls.
- Using a skewer or butter knife, swirl the cheesecake into the carrot cake batter to create beautiful patterns. Be careful not to overdo it for the best visual results.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be golden brown with the center just slightly jiggly. Cool the bars completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
