Description
Bring nostalgic carrot cake flavors into easy, handheld treats perfect for sharing. Moist, spiced cake studded with fresh carrots gets swirled with creamy, tangy cream cheese for the perfect bite every time. Ready in under an hour from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup freshly grated carrots
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with heavy-duty foil. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray.
2. Melt butter in the microwave for about 1 minute, then let cool slightly. Whisk egg into melted butter until smooth, then stir in brown sugar, salt, and vanilla.
3. Sift in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined – don’t overmix.
4. Fold in freshly grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Beat softened cream cheese with egg yolk and granulated sugar for about 4 minutes until smooth, fluffy, and completely lump-free.
6. Pour carrot batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top, then use a butter knife to swirl it through the batter in pretty patterns.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are lightly golden.
8. Let bars cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts and developed flavors.
Notes
Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and flavor – not pre-shredded.
Don’t overmix the batter when adding flour – stir just until combined.
Make sure cream cheese is truly softened to avoid lumps.
Don’t skip lining the pan with foil – it makes removal so easy.
Grate carrots on the small holes for best texture.
Let bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
These taste even better the next day after flavors meld together.
Store in the fridge – they’re delicious cold.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American