Heavenly Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Heavenly Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars Recipe For Sweet Fans

Sweet meets tangy in these irresistible carrot cake cheesecake bars that promise a decadent twist on classic desserts.

Layers of creamy cheesecake swirl perfectly with spiced carrot cake, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Each bite delivers a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth with warm cinnamon and smooth cream cheese notes.

The delicate balance of flavors makes these bars a standout dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties.

Speckled with grated carrots and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars blend two beloved classics into one spectacular indulgence.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this recipe, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that will earn rave reviews.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients Inside Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

For Carrot Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the cake layer.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a rich, moist texture with caramel undertones.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Delivers warm, aromatic spices typical of classic carrot cake.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and soft.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and contributes to a tender, rich texture.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor complexity.
  • Carrots: Brings natural sweetness, moisture, and classic carrot cake character.
For Cheesecake Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, rich, tangy base for cheesecake layer.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake component.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds delicate flavor depth.
  • Eggs: Helps set and stabilize cheesecake mixture.
For Baking Preparation:
  • Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.

Tools You’ll Need for Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for baking and creating the perfect bar size.
  • Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Large mixing bowls: Needed for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and eggs smoothly.
  • Electric hand mixer: Key for creating creamy, lump-free cheesecake batter.
  • Knife: Great for creating beautiful marbled swirls in the batter.
  • Wire rack: Helps bars cool evenly after baking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient proportions.

Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars Instructions

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen appliance to a toasty 350°F and get a baking dish ready with a light spray or parchment paper lining.

  • Dry Ingredient Blend

Gather all powdery components in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking them together until perfectly combined and fragrant with warm spices.

  • Moisture Mixture

In a separate container, blend liquid ingredients until smooth and silky, creating a rich base for the cake.

  • Batter Creation

Gently marry the dry and wet mixtures, folding in delicate carrot shreds with a tender touch to keep the texture light and airy.

  • Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Whip cream cheese into a velvety smooth consistency, adding eggs one by one to create a luscious backdrop for the cake.

  • Artistic Layering

Pour carrot cake batter into the prepared dish, then dot with creamy cheesecake mixture. Sweep a knife through the layers to create a beautiful marbled pattern.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the dish into the warm oven, letting the flavors meld and develop for 35-40 minutes until perfectly set.

  • Cooling and Enjoying

Let the bars rest and chill completely, transforming into a decadent dessert that’s best enjoyed straight from the refrigerator.

Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bar Tips and Tricks

  • Boost the warmth by adding extra ground ginger or a pinch of cardamom to intensify the cake's aromatic profile and create a more complex flavor experience.
  • Fold chopped walnuts, pecans, or toasted almonds into the carrot cake batter for a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone that complements the creamy cheesecake layer.
  • Drizzle a homemade cream cheese glaze on top by mixing powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and a splash of vanilla extract for an extra indulgent finish that elevates the visual and taste appeal.
  • Swap some carrots with crushed pineapple or add grated zucchini during summer months to keep the moisture and introduce subtle flavor variations that surprise and delight taste buds.
  • Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the rich, decadent texture of these irresistible bars.

Serving Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars Beautifully

  • Dessert Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert spread by arranging these carrot cake cheesecake bars alongside other complementary treats like fresh berries, whipped cream, and mini chocolate truffles for a visually appealing and delicious display.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting Drizzle: Enhance the bars with a homemade cream cheese frosting drizzled on top, adding an extra layer of creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the cake's warm spices and rich texture.
  • Coffee and Conversation Pairing: Serve these decadent bars with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea, creating a delightful afternoon snack that encourages relaxed conversation and indulgent moments with friends or family.
  • Seasonal Garnish Option: Sprinkle some chopped toasted walnuts or a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top just before serving to add a crunchy texture and boost the warm, comforting flavors of the carrot cake cheesecake bars.

Keeping Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars Fresh

  • Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance flavor development and create a firmer texture that makes slicing easier.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Smart Portioning: Cut bars into uniform squares and separate layers with parchment paper when storing. This prevents sticking and maintains the beautiful swirled appearance.
  • Freshness Maintenance: Keep bars in an airtight container in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Consume within 5-7 days for optimal taste and texture quality.
Print
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Heavenly Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Heavenly Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Golden Wisconsin carrot cake cheesecake bars blend classic dessert flavors into an irresistible treat. Rich cream cheese swirls through spiced carrot cake, creating a delightful dessert you can savor with each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (452 g) cream cheese
  • 2 large eggs (for carrot cake)
  • 2 large eggs (for cheesecake)
  • 1.5 cups (91 g) shredded carrots
  • 0.5 cup (118 ml) oil (canola or vegetable)
  • 0.5 cup (120 g) sour cream
  • 1.25 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for carrot cake)
  • 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for cheesecake)
  • 0.75 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves
  • 1.5 tsps vanilla extract (for carrot cake)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for cheesecake)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Elevate the oven temperature to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or a parchment paper sling for convenient extraction.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, granulated and brown sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until uniformly distributed.
  3. Liquid Component Harmonization: Whisk together vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
  4. Batter Assembly: Delicately incorporate wet ingredients into dry components, stirring minimally to prevent gluten development. Gently fold shredded carrots throughout the batter, maintaining an airy consistency.
  5. Cheesecake Layer Creation: Blend cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until luxuriously smooth. Integrate eggs individually, ensuring complete incorporation after each addition.
  6. Layering Technique: Spread half the carrot cake batter across the prepared pan, strategically place cheesecake mixture in artistic dollops, then top with remaining carrot cake batter.
  7. Marbling Magic: Use a knife to create intricate swirls, carefully blending batters without overmixing to preserve distinct layer characteristics.
  8. Baking Precision: Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, verifying doneness with a toothpick that emerges with minimal moisture.
  9. Cooling and Serving: Allow bars to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate to enhance flavor profile. Serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir cake batter minimally to maintain a tender, light texture and avoid tough, dense bars.
  • Achieve Perfect Swirl: Use a knife’s tip for gentle, light strokes when creating the marbled effect to prevent over-blending batters.
  • Temperature Matters: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer and easier mixing.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Complete cooling allows bars to set properly, enhancing flavor complexity and ensuring clean, neat slicing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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