Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, Spiced & Irresistible!

These Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of rich, creamy cheesecake and moist, spiced carrot cake! With warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors blended into a soft cake layer and swirled with smooth, tangy cheesecake, this dessert is perfect for Easter, spring gatherings, or any time you crave a unique sweet treat.

The best part? You get two desserts in one—without the hassle of making a layered cake!


Ingredients for Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

For the Carrot Cake Layer:

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded carrots
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Carrot Cake Batter

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. In another bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Stir in shredded carrots and walnuts.
  4. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

3. Make the Cheesecake Mixture

  1. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake Bars

  1. Spread ¾ of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan.
  2. Pour the cheesecake mixture on top and spread evenly.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining carrot cake batter over the cheesecake layer.
  4. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the batter and cheesecake together for a marbled effect.

5. Bake the Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

  1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Let cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.

6. Slice & Serve!

  1. Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out.
  2. Slice into squares and enjoy these creamy, spiced, and decadent dessert bars!

Expert Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

Use room-temperature cream cheese – Ensures a smooth cheesecake layer.
Shred carrots finely – Helps them blend seamlessly into the batter.
Chill before slicing – Helps bars hold their shape and enhances flavor.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter – Can make the cake layer dense.
Skipping the chill time – Bars will be too soft to slice neatly.
Using pre-shredded carrots – They are too dry; fresh ones add moisture.


Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
  • Drizzle with cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating:

  • These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature.

Freezing:

  • Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Make it nut-free – Skip the walnuts or replace them with raisins.
  • Use a spice blend – Add pumpkin spice for extra warmth.
  • Try a different cheese – Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a richer taste.

What to Serve with Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

  • A warm cup of chai or coffee
  • A fresh fruit salad for contrast
  • Homemade whipped cream for extra creaminess

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this in a 9×13-inch pan?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

Yes, peeling removes any bitterness and ensures a smooth texture.

Can I use store-bought cheesecake filling?

Freshly made cheesecake mixture gives the best flavor, but you can use store-bought in a pinch.


Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars are creamy, spiced, and irresistibly delicious—the perfect fusion of two classic desserts! Whether for Easter, holiday gatherings, or a sweet treat any time of the year, these bars are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more decadent dessert ideas!


Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 290 kcal per bar (based on 12 servings).

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes

Serves: 12

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Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, Spiced & Irresistible!


  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 55
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

These Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and spiced carrot cake! A delicious and easy dessert for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Carrot Cake Layer:

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded carrots
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

 

  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Carrot Cake Batter

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. In another bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Stir in shredded carrots and walnuts.
  4. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

3. Make the Cheesecake Mixture

  1. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake Bars

  1. Spread ¾ of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan.
  2. Pour the cheesecake mixture on top and spread evenly.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining carrot cake batter over the cheesecake layer.
  4. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the batter and cheesecake together for a marbled effect.

5. Bake the Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

  1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Let cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.

6. Slice & Serve!

 

  1. Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out.
  2. Slice into squares and enjoy these creamy, spiced, and decadent dessert bars!

Notes

Use room-temperature cream cheese – Ensures a smooth cheesecake layer.
Shred carrots finely – Helps them blend seamlessly into the batter.
Chill before slicing – Helps bars hold their shape and enhances flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Category: DESSERT
  • Cuisine: AMERICAN

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290