Description
The ultimate dessert fusion, combining the dense, fudgy richness of a classic brownie with the warm spices and fresh textures of a traditional carrot cake. Topped with a velvety cream cheese glaze, these brownies offer a perfect balance of decadent chocolate and zesty, spiced flavor.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup shredded carrots
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temp)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla, 1–2 tbsp milk
Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray.
Wet Mix: Stir oil, both sugars, and eggs until combined. Stir in cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and ginger until fragrant.
Combine: Slowly stir in flour until just combined, then fold in shredded carrots. Do not over-mix.
Bake: Pour into pan and bake for 25–28 mins until a toothpick has a few moist crumbs.
Glaze: Cool completely. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth; add vanilla and milk to reach desired consistency. Spread over cooled brownies.
Notes
Fudgy vs. Cakey: Vegetable oil is the secret to a reliable fudgy texture; it keeps the brownies moist and dense even when served chilled.
Grate Your Own: Always use a box grater for fresh carrots. Pre-packaged ‘matchsticks’ are too dry and won’t integrate properly into the batter.
Storage: Due to the cream cheese content, these must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 35
Keywords: carrot cake brownies, chocolate carrot cake, fudgy carrot brownies, cream cheese glaze, spiced chocolate dessert