Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

These Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars are a delicious twist on two beloved desserts—carrot cake and cheesecake! With a soft, spiced carrot cake base and a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer, these bars bring together the best of both worlds. Topped with a simple cream cheese frosting, they make for the perfect dessert for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Best of Both Worlds: A soft, spiced carrot cake and a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
• Perfectly Balanced: The sweet and tangy cream cheese topping pairs beautifully with the spiced carrot cake.
• Make-Ahead: These bars can be made ahead and chilled for the perfect dessert ready when you are.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Carrot Cake Layer:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2 large carrots)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need:

• 9×9-inch baking pan (or similar size)
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Grater for carrots
• Spatula
• Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)

How to Make Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars:

Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake Layer

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Stir in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using).
7. Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and flour, mixing until smooth and combined.
4. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the carrot cake layer, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the carrot cake is lightly browned around the edges.
2. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight for best results).

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
3. Once the bars are chilled and set, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top of the cheesecake layer.
4. Slice into bars and serve!

Tips for Success:

• Grate the Carrots Finely: Finely grated carrots will help them blend into the batter and prevent large chunks in your carrot cake layer.
• Chill Before Cutting: These bars set better if you allow them to chill in the fridge for a few hours before cutting into them.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: While the frosting is optional, it adds a sweet, creamy touch that complements the spices of the carrot cake perfectly.
• No Nuts? Feel free to skip the walnuts or pecans if you’re not a fan, or substitute with raisins for a more classic carrot cake touch.

What to Serve With These Bars:

• Coffee or Tea: These bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
• Fresh Fruit: A light fruit salad can help balance the richness of these dessert bars.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream would be a great accompaniment.

Storing & Reheating:

• Store: These bars should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: If you prefer them warm, heat individual bars in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, then top with frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I make these bars without frosting? Yes! The bars are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds a creamy, sweet finish.
• Can I make them without nuts? Absolutely! If you don’t like nuts, simply leave them out or replace them with raisins or other dried fruits.
• Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped and sealed to avoid freezer burn.

Conclusion:

These Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars are a heavenly combination of creamy cheesecake and spiced carrot cake, topped with sweet cream cheese frosting. They make for a perfect dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent, ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you want to impress your guests with something special.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cuisine: American

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