Ingredients
Scale
For the Carrot Cake Layer
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (optional, for thinning)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Shredded coconut
- Carrot curls or edible decorations
Instructions
1. Prepare the Carrot Cake Layer
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add Carrots and Mix-Ins: Stir in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and optional nuts and raisins.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Carrot Cake Layer: 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 cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar and beat until well incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
- Incorporate the Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Do not overmix.
- Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled carrot cake layer in the springform pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly.
3. Cool and Chill the Cake
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracks.
- Chill: Once the cheesecake has reached room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight for the best results.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
- Add Vanilla and Adjust Consistency: Mix in the vanilla extract and add milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
5. Assemble and Decorate
- Frost the Cake: Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Add Garnishes: Decorate with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or carrot curls for a festive touch.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat slices.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling and chilling Time: 8 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g