Description
A delightful fusion of moist, spiced carrot cake and creamy cheesecake, this dessert offers two classic treats in one. It features a tender carrot cake base topped with a smooth, rich cheesecake layer, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 cup applesauce or crushed pineapple
- 1/4 cup oil (or additional applesauce)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup sugar, xylitol, or preferred sweetener
- 24 oz cream cheese (regular or vegan)
- 2 cups yogurt (Greek or plant-based)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or 1/4 cup protein powder)
- 2/3 cup sugar, maple syrup, or xylitol
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and sugar in a bowl. Stir in shredded carrot, applesauce (or pineapple), oil, vanilla, and vinegar until just combined.
- Spread the carrot cake mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- In a food processor, blend cream cheese, yogurt, vanilla, cornstarch, and sweetener until smooth. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled carrot cake base.
- Place the cheesecake on the center rack of the oven. On a lower rack, place a pan of water for steam. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside for 5 minutes.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and serve. Drizzle with caramel and top with walnuts if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother texture.
- Do not overbeat the cheesecake batter to prevent cracks.
- Vinegar is essential for activating the baking soda for a fluffier cake.
- Greek yogurt provides a creamier texture and extra protein.
- Cool the cheesecake gradually to prevent cracks.
- Chill overnight for the best set.
- Slice with a hot knife for a clean presentation.
- Decorate just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg