The Best Carrot Cake Blondie Recipe with a Cream Cheese Swirl
If you're looking for a delicious dessert that captures the essence of traditional carrot cake with a delightful twist, the best carrot cake blondie recipe with a cream cheese swirl is just what you need. These moist, chewy blondies are packed with warm spices, grated carrots, and topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the cream cheese swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Blondie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. This will create the luscious swirl that elevates your blondies.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour half of the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top, then use a knife or skewer to create swirls. Pour the remaining blondie batter over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges will be slightly golden.
5. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, lift the blondies out of the pan using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Storing Your Blondies
These carrot cake blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Final Thoughts
This best carrot cake blondie recipe with a cream cheese swirl is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. The combination of cinnamon-spiced blondies and decadent cream cheese creates a dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy baking and indulging!