Dessert

Irresistibly Indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

ByAndria Russo January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

Introduction

Bright, moist carrots meet a luscious cream cheese swirl in these irresistibly indulgent Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars. Perfectly spiced and wonderfully tender, they offer all the charm of a classic carrot cake in an easy-to-serve bar form. Whether for a party or a cozy treat, these bars are sure to delight every sweet tooth.

Two square pieces of carrot cake bars stacked vertically on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three layers: a bottom rough-textured brown cake layer mixed with small bits of orange carrot, a thick creamy white middle layer, and a top layer with orange carrot shreds embedded in the creamy white layer, sprinkled with fine brown crumb topping. The texture shows moist cake with creamy smoothness and a crumbly sprinkle on top. The background is blurred with more pieces of the same dessert visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup light brown sugar
0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
1 large egg
0.5 cup unsalted butter
1 cup freshly grated carrots
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 large egg yolk
0.5 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with heavy-duty non-stick aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
Step 2: Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, then let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Whisk in one large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Sift in 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Fold in 1 cup freshly grated carrots until evenly dispersed through the batter.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 large egg yolk and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan, then swirl the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top using a knife or spatula.
Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before lifting from the pan and slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and flavor; avoid pre-shredded carrots which can be dry.
If you prefer a sweeter cream cheese layer, feel free to add an extra 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture.
Swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier taste and more fiber.

Storage

Store the Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, leave them overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up of two square dessert bars stacked on top of each other. Each bar has three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a rough textured brown crust mixed with visible small orange chunks; the middle layer is creamy white with a soft, smooth appearance; the top layer has scattered small orange pieces with a golden brown crumbly topping sprinkled unevenly. The bars look moist and dense, and the focus is sharp on the front stack while the back squares are blurred, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use shredded carrots from a bag instead of grating fresh ones?

Freshly grated carrots are best because they retain more moisture and flavor. Pre-shredded carrots can sometimes be dryer, which may affect the texture of the bars, but they can work in a pinch.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready. Avoid waiting until the toothpick is completely dry to keep the bars moist.