Pumpkin Carrot Swirl Bars with Cream Cheese Topping

Indulge in the warm, spiced flavors of autumn with these irresistible Pumpkin Carrot Swirl Bars with Cream Cheese Topping. Bursting with the wholesome goodness of pumpkin puree and finely grated carrots, these moist and tender bars create a harmonious blend of seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The decadent cream cheese topping is swirled into the batter before baking, creating a stunning marbled effect and adding a tangy richness to every bite. Perfectly balanced and easy to make in just under an hour, these bars are an ideal treat for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or festive dessert tables. Make sure to serve these crowd-pleasing, creamy delights chilled for the ultimate flavor experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 41/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.75 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups brown sugar, packed
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
• 0.5 cups pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 0.5 cups carrot, finely grated
• 2 pieces large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth and slightly creamy.

Step 4

Add the pumpkin puree, grated carrot, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and stir until combined.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.

Step 7

In a separate medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

Step 8

Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the batter in several spots. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out onto a cutting board.

Step 11

Slice into bars and serve. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1230.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3868.4

Total Fat 198.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 117.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 911.4mg	0%
Sodium 2688.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 491.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.8g	0%
Total Sugars 324.8g
Protein 49.5g	0%

Vitamin D 80IU	0%
Calcium 536.8mg	0%
Iron 14.1mg	0%
Potassium 1655.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.2%

Protein: 5.0%

Carbs: 49.8%