Moist Carrot Cake Bars with Cheesecake Swirl – Perfect Easter Dessert
Moist Carrot Cake Bars with Cheesecake Swirl – Perfect Easter Dessert are unbelievably moist, packed with warm spices and grated carrots, and feature a stunning, creamy cheesecake swirl that just sings of spring.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamo
½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional)
¾ cup Vegetable Oil
2 large Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 cups Grated Carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
½ cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional)
8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
½ cup Granulated Sugar
1 large Egg Yolk
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This ensures easy removal of your carrot cake bars. Grease the parchment paper lightly
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots and the optional chopped nuts
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then beat again until fully incorporated
- Pour the carrot cake batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the top
- Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cheesecake mixture into the carrot cake batter
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brow
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour
- Once completely cooled, cover the bars and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing
Notes
Grate your own carrots for the best moisture and flavor.
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Do not overmix to maintain a tender texture.
Chill the bars before slicing for clean cuts.