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Creamy Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

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These creamy carrot cake cheesecake bars combine the best of carrot cake and cheesecake into a cozy, easy-to-make treat with warm spices and a moist texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g) or gluten-free flour blend
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup finely shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (225g), softened to room temperature
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (65g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional toppings: chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, light dusting of powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg, applesauce, and vegetable oil until smooth. Slowly stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
  4. Fold in shredded carrots with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
  5. Spread carrot cake batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
  6. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add ⅓ cup sugar and beat until combined.
  7. Add 1 large egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
  8. Pour cream cheese layer gently over the carrot cake base and spread evenly.
  9. Bake for 40-45 minutes until cheesecake layer is set but slightly jiggly and a toothpick inserted in the carrot layer comes out clean.
  10. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
  11. Optional: Sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts and powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the carrot cake batter to keep it tender. Chill bars for at least 2 hours or overnight for best slicing and flavor. Toast nuts before topping for extra crunch and flavor. Can substitute gluten-free flour for gluten-free diet and vegan cream cheese plus coconut oil for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, cheesecake bars, creamy dessert, cozy treats, easy dessert, carrot cake cheesecake

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/creamy-carrot-cake-cheesecake-bars-easy-recipe-for-cozy-treats/