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5 from 2 votes

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Swirl

A deliciously moist and fluffy carrot cake that is perfectly spiced, and topped with a sweet cream cheese swirl!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Cakes
Keyword: cake, carrot cake, cream cheese
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 279kcal
Author: Marsha

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake

  • 2 cups (250g) plain/all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 large carrots grated (about 8oz / 250g)
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) caster/granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (170g) cream cheese softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup (100g) caster/granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons (50g) plain/all-purpose flour

Instructions

For the Carrot Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Grease and line a 13x9-inch pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
  • In a separate large mixing bowl, mix together the grated carrots, sugars, cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
  • Add the dry ingredients and mix until completely combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and spread out evenly.

For the Cream Cheese Swirl

  • Mix together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and combined. Add the eggs, vanilla, and flour, and mix until completely combined.
  • Spoon dollops of the mixture on top of the cake batter, and create swirls using a knife or toothpick.
  • Bake for 30 - 40 minutes or until the centre is no longer jiggly and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Video

Notes

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight the in fridge before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 246mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g