Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Two favorite classic desserts come together with this easy Carrot Cake Cheesecake! The recipe combines both moist carrot cake and creamy classic cheesecake into one irresistible Easter dessert.

This Carrot Cake Cheesecake is the perfect example of expectation vs. reality – ever hear of the saying?

It’s where you have what you think will happen then you have what actually happens. It’s a pretty popular meme around the internet and I think of it all the time when something unexpected happens.

Like how this Carrot Cake Cheesecake was supposed to be two layers, combining my carrot cake recipe and my classic cheesecake recipe into one dessert.

However, the cheesecake layer sunk into the carrot cake, making it cheesecake with a carrot cake crust. Or a cheesecake-stuffed carrot cake.

Whatever you call it, it combines the delicious flavors of sweet and nutty carrot cake with creamy and luscious cheesecake.

Normally I would scrap it and try again, but really there was nothing actually wrong with my cheesecake cake. Just like life, I had to adapt and roll with what happened.

I like to serve this Carrot Cake Cheesecake for Easter dessert because Easter involves bunnies and bunnies love carrots.

Is that a stretch? Probably, but hey it’s a great excuse to make it. But if you don’t want to make it for Easter, it makes an excellent birthday cake.

What pan do I need for carrot cake cheesecake?

Because cheesecake is delicate to remove from the pan, you’ll need a 9 inch springform pan (affiliate link) so you can remove the sides.

This recipe will not work in a 9 inch round cake pan because it’ll be too hard to remove plus likely won’t be deep enough for both batters.

How many does a carrot cake cheesecake feed?

You can cut this cheesecake into 8-10 slices, which is equivalent to 8-10 servings.

It’s bigger than most of my small batch desserts, but I also originally posted this recipe back in 2013 when I didn’t have a POV.

Rather than rework it for a smaller pan, I kept it as is. You never know when you need a larger dessert for holiday dinners or office parties.

You can still serve it as dessert for your Easter Dinner For Two. You’ll just have a few extra slices to last you all week.

How To Make A Carrot Cake Cheesecake

To make carrot cake cheesecake, first you have to make the carrot cake batter.

Carrot cake batter is easier to make than most because you don’t have to worry about creaming the butter and sugar. You can even make the batter by hand so you can free your mixer for the cheesecake layer.

Beat together the sugar and liquid ingredients together until smooth. Then you gradually add your dry ingredients along with the shredded carrot, pineapple, coconut, raisins, and chopped walnuts.

Once the batter is made, pour it into your springform pan then let it sit while you make the cheesecake batter.

Next, make the cheesecake batter. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until super smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Then beat in the eggs one a time, being careful not to overbeat the batter.

Finally, add the pineapple juice and vanilla for flavor.

Now transfer your cheesecake batter on top of your carrot cake batter. I find it best to drop spoonfuls on top because it’ll sink and not spread too well.

Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature is 150F. The cheesecake may still jiggle a little when shaken but shouldn’t be too loose.

How do you make carrot cake cheesecake moist?

The carrot cake layer stays incredibly moist thanks to the vegetable oil, brown sugar, buttermilk, and pineapple.

The best oil to use in carrot cake is either vegetable or canola, which are both neutral oils.

Can I use butter instead of oil in carrot cake?

Don’t have vegetable oil? Use an equal amount of melted butter. With all of the different flavors going on, the difference of using melted butter is negligible.

Can I substitute milk for the buttermilk?

Buttermilk is used so its acidity can react with the baking soda.

However, if you don’t have any, you can substitute whole milk as long as you add acid to it. Otherwise, the cake won’t rise properly.

Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1/4 cup whole milk. Let sit for 5 minutes or until the milk curdles.

 

Do I need a water bath for carrot cake cheesecake?

No, you don’t need a water bath for carrot cake cheesecake! Because it’s in a 9 inch springform pan, it’ll bake evenly in both the middle and on top.

What frosting goes with carrot cake cheesecake?

Because of the cake element, I opted to cover it with my cream cheese frosting.

After all, nothing beats the classic pairing of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

However, you can serve it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or plain without frosting.

More Carrot Cake Recipes

Looking for more? You may also like these similar recipes:

• Small Carrot Cake Recipe
• Carrot Cake Cupcakes With Pineapple
• Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

For more cheesecake recipes, check out my Pecan Pie Cheesecake.

Source: Adapted from Southern Living