Name: Carrot Cake Cheesecake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1½ cups grated carrots; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 1½ cups cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; Remaining cream cheese from the package; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dessert combines the comforting warmth of spiced carrot cake with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. It’s a showstopper for holidays, special gatherings, or whenever I crave something both familiar and luxurious.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

Cheesecake Layer:
1 1/2 cups cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Frosting:
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
remaining cream cheese from the package

directions

I preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.

In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In a large bowl, I mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

I stir in the grated carrots, applesauce, and nuts if using. Then I fold in the dry ingredients until well combined.

I pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth it evenly.

In a separate bowl, I beat the cream cheese with sugar, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and flour until creamy.

I pour the cheesecake layer gently over the carrot cake batter and smooth the top.

I bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.

I let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

For the frosting, I beat together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and remaining cream cheese until smooth, then spread it over the chilled cake.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10 servings.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (including cooling time)
Calories: approximately 400 kcal per slice

Variations

I sometimes add crushed pineapple to the carrot cake layer for added moisture and flavor. A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top adds a lovely texture contrast to the creamy frosting.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s best served chilled, but I let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake it the day before and refrigerate overnight—it tastes even better the next day.

Do I need a springform pan?

A springform pan makes removal easier, but a regular 9-inch pan works if I line it well with parchment.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

I prefer freshly grated carrots—they provide better texture and moisture.

What if I don’t like nuts?

I just leave them out or replace them with raisins for a different twist.

Can this be frozen?

Yes, I freeze slices individually wrapped and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Conclusion

This Carrot Cake Cheesecake is the best of both dessert worlds—moist, spiced carrot cake meets creamy cheesecake in a deliciously unique treat. I love serving it during the holidays or anytime I want to impress with something comforting yet extraordinary.