Ingredients:

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt

For the topping:

½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your cheesecake bars bake evenly.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until the crumbs are well coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. This will create a solid base for our cheesecake bars.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until its lightly golden. This step helps to set the crust and adds a nice crunch.

Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Preparing the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps!

Add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and continue to beat until well combined. The mixture should be fluffy and light.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making it light and airy.

Stir in the vanilla extract, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined. The carrots and pineapple will add moisture and flavor to the filling.

Once the filling is ready, pour it over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Cooking Process

Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should not jiggle too much.

Once baked, remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. This helps to prevent cracking as they cool.

After they have cooled, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Preparing the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This topping adds a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Once the cheesecake bars have chilled, spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the top. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out.

If you like, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor. This is optional, but I find it adds a

Conclusion:

In summary, these Carrot Cheesecake Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the flavors of rich cheesecake and the warm, comforting taste of carrots and spices. The creamy texture combined with the subtle sweetness of the carrots makes for a unique treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip them up for any occasion, whether its a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a cozy night in. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor. If youre feeling adventurous, try adding a hint of orange zest to the cheesecake layer for a refreshing twist, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, Id love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your beautiful Carrot Cheesecake Bars. Lets spread the joy of baking together! Remember, these bars are not just a dessert; theyre a celebration of flavors that you wont want to miss out on. Happy baking! Print