A marvelous fusion of tender carrot cake and creamy cheesecake, these luscious bars offer the perfect sweet-tart balance in an easy-to-serve tray bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Indulgent yet balanced: Creamy cheesecake swirls elevate the warm spices and sweetness of traditional carrot cake.
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Convenient and shareable: Baked in a single pan and perfectly portioned—ideal for gatherings or snacks.
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Make-ahead friendly: They keep beautifully and taste even better when chilled, making planning stress-free.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Carrot Cake Base
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup grated carrots
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½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
Cheesecake Swirl
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
directions
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Preheat and prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting. -
Make the carrot cake batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined, then gently fold in grated carrots and drained pineapple. -
Prepare the cheesecake swirl
In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until smooth and fully incorporated. -
Assemble the bars
Spread the carrot cake batter evenly in the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top, distributing evenly. Use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl the cheesecake through the cake batter. -
Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The cheesecake swirl should appear slightly puffed. -
Cool and cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 16 bars
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Bake time: 30–35 minutes
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Total time: ~50 minutes including cooling
Variations
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Nutty upgrade: Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the carrot cake base.
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Raisin or cranberry add-in: Fold ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries into the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
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Spice tweak: Boost warmth by adding ¼ tsp ground ginger or cloves.
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Gluten-free option: Substitute the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
storage/reheating
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Storage: Cover the cooled bars and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave (10–15 seconds) or oven (325°F for 5 minutes) to restore their creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes—low-fat cream cheese works fine, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
2. Do I really need crushed pineapple?
The crushed pineapple adds moisture and texture, but you can omit it if preferred—just increase the carrot to 1½ cups.
3. How do I avoid the cheesecake sinkage?
Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and ensure the cake batter is thick enough to support it.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. They hold well for up to 5 days refrigerated and can even be frozen for future enjoyment.
5. What’s the best way to cut clean bars?
Chill completely before slicing, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
6. Can I use mini muffin tins instead?
Yes—reduce bake time to 18–22 minutes and adjust filling accordingly.
7. Are these suitable for meal prep?
Yes—they make an easy grab-and-go snack or breakfast when kept chilled.
8. Can I add frosting?
You can drizzle a light cream cheese glaze (1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk and ½ tsp vanilla) on top.
9. Why aren’t my bars set in the center?
They likely need additional bake time or cooling. Return to oven for 5 minutes or let cool fully.
10. Can I halve the recipe?
Yes—use an 8×8-inch pan and adjust baking time to around 25 minutes.
Conclusion
Carrot Cake Cheesecake Swirl Bars satisfy cravings for both cake and cheesecake in a single, easy-to-make treat. With spicy carrot cake, moist pineapple, and that creamy cheesecake ribbon, they offer comfort in every bite. Perfect for dessert, brunch, or a sweet snack—these bars are sure to become a beloved staple.
[tasty-recipe id=”19258″]