Description
These carrot cake cheesecake bars combine two classic desserts in one—moist spiced cake meets creamy cheesecake in a marbled, chilled treat.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Layer:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup finely grated carrots
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, combine oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in grated carrots and pineapple. Fold in dry ingredients and walnuts if using.
For the cheesecake layer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, then mix in flour until just combined.
Spread half the carrot cake batter in the pan. Pour cheesecake mixture on top.
Drop spoonfuls of remaining carrot batter over the cheesecake and swirl with a knife.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
If frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread over chilled bars before serving.
Notes
Add shredded coconut or dried fruit like raisins or apricots for extra texture.
Dust with powdered sugar for a lighter version.
Use a 9×9-inch pan for thinner bars or double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan.
Best served cold; do not reheat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
