Carrot Cake Cheesecake! A fluffy and super moist, carrot cake layered with a creamy cheesecake. The BEST of both worlds! This dessert will test your self-control it is that good.
pineapple, crushed (optional but highly recommended)
walnuts or pecans (optional but highly recommended) , use the same in the frosting.
raisins, golden preferred
coconut, shredded (optional but highly recommended)
teaspoonnutmeg
Cheesecake
1cup(8 oz) cream cheese, at room temp.
½cupsour cream
⅓cupsugar
1tablespoonflour, all-purpose (plain flour)
1largeegg
2teaspoonslemon juice, fresh squeezed (optional)
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Frosting (optional)
⅓cupcream cheese, at room temperature.
¾cupsugar
⅓cupsour cream
½ teaspoonvanilla extract
¼cuppecans or walnuts (use the same as in the cake), chopped, to garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch spring-form pan with cooking oil spray, line with baking paper and set aside.
For the Cake
In a large bowl, whisk together flour(s), cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together the oil, applesauce, almond milk, eggs and vanilla. Whisk the sugar and brown sugar into the wet ingredients, and beat until well combined.
Add in the pineapple, nuts (pecans or walnuts), raisins, and the shredded coconut.
Add in the dry ingredients and the grated carrots, mixing to form a smooth batter.
For the Cheesecake Mixture
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the cheesecake ingredients together until smooth and lump free , about one minute on low speed.
Assemble cheesecake
Evenly pour half of the carrot cake batter into the prepared pan. Pour 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture over carrot cake layer (don't swirl it through). Spoon remaining carrot cake mixture over cream cheese layer, then pour the remaining cheesecake mixture over the carrot cake layer to completely cover.
Bake in preheated over 65-70 minutes, until the center is just set (it will have a very slight wobble to it). If you find it is browning after 30 minutes, tent with foil being careful the foil does not stick to the cheesecake). Remove from the oven and allow to cool for an hour or so. Cover with foil and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
For the Frosting
Beat all (except the nuts) of cream cheese frosting ingredients together until smooth. spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cheesecake. Decorate with chopped nuts.
Notes
This can be prepared up to two days before serving. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.