Description
This ultimate dessert combines the best of both worlds: a spiced carrot cake and a rich, creamy cheesecake. With pineapple, pecans, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this layered treat is sure to wow everyone at your table!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Carrot Cake Layer:
- 1 1/4 cups carrots (finely grated)
- 1/3 cup pineapple (crushed and drained)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 28 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting and Garnish:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Carrot Cake Layer:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat together brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients.
- Stir in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and pecans until combined. Set aside.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined and creamy.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Gently spoon the cheesecake batter over the carrot cake layer, spreading it evenly.
- Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan (water bath method).
4. Bake and Cool:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is slightly jiggly but the edges are set.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the cake from the water bath, run a knife around the edges, and cool completely at room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. Make the Frosting:
- Beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
6. Decorate and Serve:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and garnish with extra grated carrots or pineapple if desired.
- Slice and serve!
Notes
- Water Bath Tip: Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Variations: Add raisins or walnuts to the carrot cake batter for more texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- chill time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American