Name: Carrot Cake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup shredded carrots; 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Get ready to fall in love with Carrot Cake Bars—a delightful twist on the classic springtime favorite that packs all the warm spice, moist crumb, and tangy cream cheese you crave into perfectly shareable squares. Each bite is a cozy hug of cinnamon, tender carrot, and that irresistible cheesecake swirl, making these bars just right for picnics, bake sales, or impromptu afternoon treats. These Carrot Cake Bars are as easy to whip up as they are to devour, and you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for the next time your sweet tooth strikes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Carrot Cake Bars is in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating their unique balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy decadence. Don’t skip a thing; every element contributes a little magic to the final result!

Butter (1/2 cup, melted): This gives the bars their rich, tender texture and irresistible buttery flavor.
Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep, caramel notes and keeps the bars moist.
Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and gives the bars their lovely structure.
Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the warmth of the spices and adds aroma.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Provides the sturdy base for your Carrot Cake Bars.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Lends cozy spice and that signature carrot cake flavor.
Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives the bars a bit of lift for a light, chewy bite.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and deepens every flavor.
Shredded Carrots (1 cup): The star of the show—adds sweet earthiness, moisture, and color.
Cream Cheese (4 ounces, room temperature): For a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl that’s absolutely essential.
Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer just enough.
Egg Yolk (1 large): Richens and binds the cheesecake swirl.
Vanilla Extract (3/4 teaspoon): Gives the swirl its signature flavor and fragrance.

How to Make Carrot Cake Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8×8 baking pan with nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal—just don’t forget to give the parchment a light spray, too. This ensures your Carrot Cake Bars come out picture-perfect, with neat edges every time.

Step 2: Mix the Carrot Cake Batter

Start by melting your butter in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds, until fully liquid. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla, mixing until glossy and combined. Now gently fold in your flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. Finally, add your shredded carrots for that iconic carrot cake flavor and color! Set this batter aside while you make the swirl.

Step 3: Creamy Cheesecake Swirl

With a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a separate bowl until completely smooth and creamy. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is silky with no lumps. This cheesecake swirl is what takes Carrot Cake Bars to next-level delicious.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Spread about half the carrot cake batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out with an offset spatula for an even layer. Next, drop spoonfuls of half the cheesecake mixture over the carrot base—don’t worry about looking perfect. Add the remaining carrot cake batter in dollops over and around the cheesecake layer. Finish with dollops of the remaining cheesecake swirl on top. Grab a knife or skewer, and gently swirl the batters together as much or as little as you like. Swirling more will give you an even blend, while less swirling will create gorgeous contrasting ribbons.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken—this is key for perfectly set but gooey Carrot Cake Bars. Let the bars cool completely before slicing so that every square comes out clean and holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Bars

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of powdered sugar, an extra dusting of cinnamon, or a handful of chopped toasted pecans can take your Carrot Cake Bars from cozy snack to Instagram-worthy showstopper. For extra wow, try a simple drizzle of cream cheese glaze.

Side Dishes

Serve your Carrot Cake Bars with a tall glass of cold milk or a piping hot cup of coffee for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up. For special occasions, fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream bring a delightful contrast to the bars’ warmth and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Carrot Cake Bars into bite-sized cubes for a party platter or brunch spread. Layer them in a trifle with whipped cream and fresh pineapple for a stunning dessert, or package squares in parchment and twine for a sweet homemade gift. Let your imagination have fun with it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Carrot Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They stay moist and delicious, making them just as crave-worthy on day five as on day one.

Freezing

Carrot Cake Bars freeze like a dream! Place cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment to keep them from sticking.

Reheating

Gently thaw frozen Carrot Cake Bars overnight in the fridge, or pop a square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked warmth. If you like them extra gooey, warming them slightly before serving makes the cheesecake swirl even more luscious.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots for Carrot Cake Bars?

Pre-shredded carrots tend to be a bit dry and thick, which can affect the texture of your bars. For the best results, grate whole carrots yourself—freshly shredded carrots are moist and blend much better into the batter.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute). The bars should come out just as tender and delicious.

Do Carrot Cake Bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese swirl, it’s safest to store them in the fridge. This also helps maintain their lovely texture and keeps them fresh for several days.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! If you’re serving a crowd, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just watch the baking time; it might need an extra 5 minutes or so depending on your oven.

What if I don’t have an offset spatula?

No worries! A simple butter knife or the back of a spoon works perfectly to spread the batters. The key is to smooth it out as evenly as possible before you start swirling.

Final Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to experience just how irresistible homemade Carrot Cake Bars can be! There’s something about their gentle spice, creamy swirls, and old-fashioned warmth that guarantees everyone comes back for seconds. Grab those carrots and let yourself bake up a little joy—you might just find yourself with a new favorite.

Carrot Cake Bars Recipe