Craving a sweet treat that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! These No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect solution for your dessert desires. Bursting with the wholesome goodness of grated carrots and the delightful sweetness of crushed pineapple, these bars are a refreshing twist on traditional carrot cake. With just 20 minutes of prep time and no baking required, you can whip up a batch of these creamy, dreamy bars that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to indulge in a guilt-free dessert that’s as delightful to the taste buds as it is to the eyes—your new favorite recipe is just a few steps away!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed walnuts
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by thoroughly draining the crushed pineapple using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, ensuring minimal moisture remains.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple, mixing them evenly to create a uniform base for the bars.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and creating a smooth, sweet cream cheese mixture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Fold the grated carrot and pineapple mixture into the cream cheese base, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Add crushed walnuts to the graham cracker crumbs, mixing them together to create a textured base.
- Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Press half of the graham cracker and walnut mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
- Pour the cream cheese, carrot, and pineapple mixture over the crumb base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker and walnut mixture over the top of the cream cheese layer, creating a crumbly topping.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the bars to set completely.
- Once chilled and set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Serve chilled and store any remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Drain the Pineapple Well: Ensure you thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bars soggy. Using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth works best.
- Beat the Cream Cheese Properly: Take your time when beating the cream cheese. Aim for a smooth and creamy texture by mixing for 2-3 minutes before adding in the powdered sugar.
- Mix Ingredients Gently: When combining the carrot and pineapple mixture with the cream cheese base, fold gently to maintain the lightness and texture of the bars.
- Crush Graham Crackers Efficiently: For a fine crumb, use a food processor or place the graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This will help create a perfect base.
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process! Allow the bars to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This will enhance the flavors and help the bars hold their shape.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only makes for easy removal but also helps keep the bars intact when cutting them into squares.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
