This unique twist on a classic dessert combines the comforting flavors of carrot cake with the creamy richness of cheesecake.
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake Base:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Carrot Cake Base:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the flour, eggs one at a time, sour cream, and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Once the carrot cake base is completely cool, spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another 30 minutes to cool slightly.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Frost and Serve:
- Once the cheesecake is chilled, frost the top with the cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate with additional carrots, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!