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Carrot Cake Bars with Cheesecake Swirl

Cozy dessert bars featuring tender, spiced carrot cake swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 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, packed
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray.
  2. Whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
  3. Add the egg and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, stirring until just combined.
  5. Fold in the shredded carrots until evenly distributed through the batter.
  6. Beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar in another bowl until smooth.
  7. Add the egg yolk and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla, mixing until well combined.
  8. Spread half of the carrot batter in the prepared pan.
  9. Dollop half of the cheesecake mixture on top, then add the remaining carrot batter and finish with the remaining cheesecake mixture.
  10. Use a knife to swirl the two batters together to create a marbled pattern.
  11. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  12. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and avoid overmixing the batters.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, dessert bars, cheesecake swirl