why make this recipe
Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake are a delightful treat that combines the moist texture and warm spices of classic carrot cake with a rich cream cheese layer. These bars are not just easy to make but also bring a fun twist to your dessert table. They are perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or whenever you crave something sweet. The combination of flavors from the cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet carrots makes every bite a little piece of heaven. Plus, the smooth cream cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess that complements the carrot cake perfectly. Whether you’re a carrot cake lover or simply looking for a new dessert to try, these bars will impress everyone who takes a bite.
how to make Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake
Making Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake is simple and can be done in just a few steps. Follow the directions below and enjoy a delicious dessert that will have your friends and family asking for more.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for cream cheese layer
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan so your bars won’t stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it is well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; you just want a uniform batter.
- Pour into Baking Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese layer. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract together until it is smooth and creamy.
- Layer Cream Cheese on Bars: After the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese mixture over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into squares and enjoy your delicious carrot cake cream cheese bars!
how to serve Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake
Serving these Cream Cheese Bars is easy and fun. You can serve them as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack during the day. Consider garnishing each square with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped walnuts to add a bit of crunch. You might also like to serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
They are perfect for parties, coffee get-togethers, or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes. Just make sure you keep some for yourself!
how to store Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake
To store your Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for about 5-7 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them. To freeze, cut the bars and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They should last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
tips to make Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake
- Use Fresh Carrots: The key to delicious carrot cake is fresh, finely grated carrots. They give the best flavor and moisture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened and at room temperature for easy mixing. The same goes for the eggs, as they incorporate better.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, don’t overstir. A few lumps are fine and will help keep the bars moist.
- Testing for Doneness: Always use the toothpick test to check that your bars are fully baked. Insert a toothpick in the center, and it should come out clean to ensure they’re done.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer. This helps it stay firm and spreadable.
- Customize with Nuts or Raisins: Feel free to add in some chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
variation
You can tweak the Cream Cheese Bars to make them your own:
- Spiced Variations: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for an additional spice kick.
- Fruit Additions: Mix in some crushed pineapple for added sweetness and moisture.
- Different Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, you could use a simple vanilla glaze or a chocolate frosting for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based cream cheese and milk for a tasty vegan version.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought grated carrots? Yes, store-bought grated carrots will work perfectly fine. Just make sure they are fresh and not dried out.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend without affecting the taste.
- What can I do if my cream cheese layer is too runny? If your cream cheese mixture is too runny, try refrigerating it for a bit to thicken up. You can also add more powdered sugar to help firm it up.
- Can I add nuts to the bars? Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter for some extra crunch and flavor.
- How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, they need more time in the oven.
Enjoy the experience of making and sharing these Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake! They are sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!
Print
Cream Cheese Bars That Taste Like Perfect Carrot Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat that combines the moist texture and warm spices of classic carrot cake with a rich cream cheese layer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for cream cheese layer
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix gently until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer by beating softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture over the top.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For an extra treat, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped walnuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg