Carrot Cake Cheesecake Recipe

Name: Carrot Cake Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1¼ cups Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1½ teaspoons Cinnamon; 1/2 cup Vegetable oil; 1/2 cup White sugar; 1/2 cup Brown sugar; 2 Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1½ cups Grated carrots; 2 cups Cream cheese (softened); 2/3 cup White sugar; 1/4 cup Sour cream; 2 Eggs (large); 2 tablespoons Heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Vanilla bean paste; 1½ cups Sour cream; 4 tablespoons Powdered sugar; Raw/Caramelized pecans (chopped)

5 from 6 votes

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Leave a Comment

Carrot cake cheesecake is perfect for when you love two desserts and don’t want to compromise on either of them. It’s an amazing dessert that combines two beloved flavors.

Table of Contents

Carrot cake cheesecake with cream cheese frosting a pecans

Why You’ll Love Carrot Cake Cheesecake

If you love both carrot cake and cheesecake, then this Carrot Cake Cheesecake recipe is perfect for you! This delightful dessert combines the moist, spiced layers of carrot cake with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all topped with a tangy sour cream frosting and crunchy pecans. Follow this detailed, step-by-step recipe to create a stunning and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredient For Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Creating the perfect Carrot Cake Cheesecake requires a blend of specific ingredients that each play a vital role in ensuring the best texture, flavor, and appearance. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and its role in the recipe:

For the carrot cake layer:

Flour: Provides the structure and stability for the cake.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
Baking Soda: Works with the baking powder to give the cake additional lift.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the carrots. Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
White Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, contributing to the cake’s moistness.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Grated Carrots: Add moisture, sweetness, and texture to the cake, along with a beautiful natural color.

For the Cheesecake Layer:

Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake, providing a rich and creamy texture.
White Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and helps achieve a smooth texture.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smoothness, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the creamy texture.
Eggs: Provide structure and help set the cheesecake.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the cheesecake.
Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds a deep, aromatic vanilla flavor with visible flecks of vanilla bean.

For the Sour Cream Frosting:

Sour Cream: Provides a tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates a smooth, spreadable consistency.

For Decoration:

Raw/Caramelized Pecans: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, enhancing the visual appeal of the cheesecake.

Tips to Make The Best Carrot Cake Cheesecake

David looking at the carrot cake cheesecake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream, are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother, creamier batter and prevents lumps.
Grate Carrots Freshly: Freshly grated carrots provide the best texture and moisture. Pre-grated carrots from the store can be too dry and may not blend well into the batter.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, leading to cracks in the cheesecake. Mix each ingredient until just combined.
Monitor the Baking Time: Cheesecake can be tricky to bake. Check for doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should still be slightly jiggly but the edges should be set. Overbaking can lead to cracks and a dry texture.
Cool Gradually: After baking, turn off the oven and prop the door open slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 15-20 minutes to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors to meld and gives the cheesecake time to set properly, making it easier to slice.
Decorate Just Before Serving: Add the pecans and any additional toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices in the carrot cake layer or different types of nuts for decoration. Personalizing the recipe can make it even more special.

How to Store

In the Fridge:

After cooling the cheesecake completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Store it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It’s best to keep the cheesecake in an airtight container for extra freshness.

In the Freezer:

If you’d like to store the cheesecake for a longer period, you can freeze it:

Wrap individual slices (or the whole cake if preferred) in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Place the wrapped slices or cake in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
Store the cheesecake in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To thaw: Move the cheesecake to the fridge and let it thaw overnight before serving. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain its texture.

For best results, decorate with pecans and apply the frosting right before serving if you plan to freeze the cheesecake.

More Cheesecake Recipes You Might Like

Discover a variety of mouthwatering cheesecake recipes to satisfy every craving:

Pistachio Cheesecake: Nutty and creamy, this treat is perfect for those seeking a unique take on traditional cheesecake.
Blueberry cheesecake: A delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and fresh, juicy blueberries, perfect for any occasion.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake: Rich and decadent cheesecake, topped with a luscious salted caramel that beautifully balances sweet and salty flavors.
Mango Cheesecake: Enjoy a tropical delight with a smooth, fruity mango flavor, perfect for summer gatherings.
Basque Cheesecake: This amazing cheesecake has burnt top with a creamy, custard-like interior. The famous rustic look combined with the rich, velvety texture makes it a blockbuster, perfect for any occasion.
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Bright and zesty, offering a refreshing citrus taste.

For more cheesecake ideas, explore all my cheesecake recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cheesecake can crack due to several reasons, such as overbaking, rapid temperature changes, or overmixing the batter. Overbaking can cause the cheesecake to become too dry, leading to cracks. Rapid temperature changes can cause the cheesecake to contract too quickly, resulting in cracks. Overmixing the batter incorporates too much air, which can also lead to cracks. However, in this Carrot Cake Cheesecake recipe, a cracked surface is not a major concern because the cheesecake will be frosted with a delicious sour cream frosting, which will cover any imperfections and add an extra layer of flavor.

Can I use pre-grated carrots for the carrot cake layer?

While it might be convenient to use pre-grated carrots, freshly grated carrots are recommended for the best texture and moisture. Pre-grated carrots from the store can be too dry and may not blend well into the batter, affecting the overall quality of the cake.

How can I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

To prevent your cheesecake from cracking, follow these tips:
– Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth batter.
– Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent incorporating too much air.
– Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to maintain even baking and prevent drying out.
– Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually by turning off the oven, propping the door open, and leaving it inside for 15-20 minutes before removing it.

What can I use instead of vanilla bean paste?

If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. While vanilla bean paste adds a more intense vanilla flavor and visible flecks of vanilla bean, vanilla extract will still provide a delicious vanilla taste.

How do I know when my cheesecake is done baking?

Your cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan. If the center jiggles slightly while the edges remain firm, it’s time to turn off the oven. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry texture and cracking.