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Ultimate Layered Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a rich slice of carrot cake cheesecake with thick cream cheese frosting layers.

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This recipe combines the moist, spiced flavor of classic carrot cake with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake into one showstopper dessert, finished with tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Carrot Cake Layer: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • For the Cheesecake Layer: 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
  2. Make the crust: In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make the carrot cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk the 1 cup sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Beat in the 2 eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and nuts, if using.
  4. Bake the carrot cake layer: Spread the carrot cake batter evenly over the cooled crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. Remove from the oven.
  5. Make the cheesecake batter: While the cake bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar in a separate bowl until smooth. Beat in the 2 eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until the batter is creamy and uniform.
  6. Assemble and bake the cheesecake: Gently pour the cheesecake batter over the partially baked carrot cake layer. Return the pan to the oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
  7. Cool the dessert: Turn off the oven and prop the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour. Remove it from the oven, run a thin knife around the edge of the pan, and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
  8. Make the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Add milk or cream one teaspoon at a time if the frosting is too stiff.
  9. Frost and serve: Once fully chilled, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired. Slice and serve your ultimate dessert mashup.

Notes

  • For easier slicing, run a hot, dry knife through the cheesecake before each cut.
  • If you prefer a swirl effect, drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake batter over the carrot cake layer and gently swirl with a knife before baking.
  • This dessert is excellent made a day ahead, as chilling improves the texture of both layers.

Nutrition

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