Carrot Cake Brownie Bars
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There’s just something about carrot cake that screams comfort to me, and these Carrot Cake Brownie Bars are my go-to when I need a sweet treat with a twist. They’re packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese swirl that takes them to the next level. I love whipping these up for gatherings or just as a cozy weekend bake to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The best part? You can prep everything in just 15 minutes! With simple ingredients and a bake time of around 40 minutes, you’ll have delicious bars ready in no time. Whether you’re a carrot cake fan or just looking to try something new, these bars are sure to impress with their rich flavors and tender texture. Trust me, you won’t want to share!
Why You’ll Love Carrot Cake Brownie Bars
- Perfectly Spiced: There’s nothing like the cozy combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to make you feel all warm inside. It’s like a hug in dessert form!
- Decadent Cream Cheese Swirl: The cream cheese swirl is the star of the show, adding that dreamy tangy flavor that pairs so well with the sweetness of the bars. You’ll find yourself sneaking bites of just the swirl!
- Easy to Make: I love how these come together in just 15 minutes! It’s perfect for those days when I want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Great for Sharing: These bars are a total crowd-pleaser! Whether it’s a potluck or a casual get-together, everyone will be asking for the recipe.
- Nutritious Ingredients: With shredded carrots and walnuts, you can feel a little less guilty indulging in dessert. It’s like getting a bit of nutrition with your sweet treat!
Ingredients Needed To Make Carrot Cake Brownie Bars
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Flour
- Allspice
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cinnamon
- Kosher salt
- Baking powder
- Light brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Plain unsweetened yogurt
- Butter
- Egg
- Shredded carrots
- Chopped walnuts
- Raisins (optional)
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla extract
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Carrot Cake Brownie Bars
- Preheat your oven and prepare the baking dish.
- Mix the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar until smooth, then set it aside.
- In another bowl, combine the sugars and melted butter, then add the egg and yogurt. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth. Then fold in the carrots, walnuts, and raisins if you’re using them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and add dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top. Swirl it together with a knife.
- Bake until the bars are set and golden brown.
- Let them cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I know when the brownie bars are done baking?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (but not wet batter), they’re ready. Remember that they will continue to firm up as they cool.s!
How should I store the carrot cake brownie bars?
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for about a week or freezing them for up to three months.
Can I freeze these brownie bars?
Yes, freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later! Just make sure they are fully cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can try using mascarpone or even a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Both will give you a creamy texture and flavor without compromising the overall taste of the bars.
Is there a way to make these bars less sweet?
If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, consider cutting back on the sugar in both the cake and the cream cheese swirl. You could also use unsweetened yogurt instead of the sweetened variety for a little less sugar overall. Just keep in mind that the flavors will change slightly!
Carrot Cake Brownie Bars
Equipment
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Video
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 8 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten free flour)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, and line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and sugar. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Mix Cake Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix both sugars and the melted butter until combined.
- Add the egg, yogurt, and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Slowly add the flour, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Stir until smooth.
- Gently fold in the shredded carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using).
- Assemble: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Add 9 dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter. Using a knife, swirl the cream cheese into the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (excluding the cream cheese) comes out clean and the top is lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute all-purpose flour and full-dairy in this recipe. Do note, that almond milk can have a little too much liquid.
- Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for 3 months.
Nutrition
These carrot cake brownie bars have quickly become a favorite in my house. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or to impress friends at a gathering. I love how they combine the rich flavors of carrot cake with that creamy swirl, making every bite a delight. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be reaching for seconds—if not thirds!
Best carrot cake I’ve ever made. Super moist and delicious! Thank you for sharing your recipe ❤️
1 tsp 🙂
When you double or triple the recipe, the pan size stays the same? Please clarify!
Thank you,
Cathy Gordon
no, I would use a larger pan for this to ensure they cook accordingly
Easy, delicious and did I say delicious! My household was in front of the oven like it was a TV due to the amazing smell and scrumptious they were! Keep em coming, Thank you🤤😋💖🔥💖
The brownies were amazing. My husband asked for another batch. I used golden raisins and more nuts. Easy to follow recipe and delicious.
These came out great! Delicious! Thank you
If doubling the recipe, what size pan should I use? Maybe 9 x 13 or larger? Also, could this be made in a Pyrex dish instead of a pan? Your opinions, please.
yes! either a 9×13 or pyrex will work wonderfully if doubling.
Thank you for sharing your recipe. Many people in my family love pumpkin. I am anxious to make this for our next get together. I just know it will be a hit!!
Kepp us posted when you make it!
Looks so delicious! May I use nonfat Greek yogurt and dark brown sugar (because that’s what I have!) Can’t wait to try the recipe… Thank you!
Yes!!
I’ll try to make it this weekend, and I will let you know. Thanks!
Can these be made from a carrot cake mix from a box?? What adaptations should I make?
That is a great question! This has not been tried yet but if you do, please let us know!