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Layered carrot cake cheesecake topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and garnished with chopped walnuts and cinnamon.

Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Creamy Topping – Layered Dessert Recipe for Holidays

This Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Creamy Topping is a show-stopping dessert that blends two classics into one irresistible treat. Moist spiced carrot cake meets rich, velvety cheesecake, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Easter, birthdays, or any celebration that calls for something special.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Springform pan (9-inch)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Offset spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife (warmed for slicing)

Ingredients
  

Carrot Cake Layer:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup freshly grated carrots
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 oz full-fat cream cheese (room temp)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Creamy Topping:

  • 1 cup sour cream or whipped cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line bottom of springform pan with parchment and lightly grease sides.
  • In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
  • In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, sugars. Fold in carrots, pineapple, and nuts. Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour into pan.
  • Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix gently until smooth. Pour over carrot cake layer.
  • Bake in a water bath for 60–70 minutes until center is set.
  • Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool gradually.
  • Chill in fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Mix topping ingredients and spread evenly over chilled cake.
  • Garnish with nuts or cinnamon. Slice with warm knife and serve.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated carrots for best texture.
  • Don’t overmix cheesecake layer—this prevents cracks.
  • Let cake sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving.
  • Freeze slices without topping; add fresh topping after thawing.
  • Try lemon zest in cheesecake or maple syrup in topping for seasonal flair.
  • Graham cracker crust can replace carrot base for a shortcut.
Keyword Carrot cake cheesecake, creamy topping, fusion dessert, Holiday Dessert, potluck favorite, springform pan recipe