Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Creamy Topping

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Combining the cozy spice of carrot cake with the rich smoothness of cheesecake, this Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Creamy Topping is the ultimate dessert for when you can’t decide between two favorites. A beautifully marbled center swirls the spiced carrot cake and cheesecake layers into one irresistible bite, crowned with a luscious creamy topping and a sprinkle of crunchy pecans.

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Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, Easter celebration, or just craving something decadent, this showstopper brings big flavor with impressive visual appeal. Best of all, it tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead treat.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Cheesecake

This cake isn’t just stunning to slice into—it’s layered with flavor and texture. You get that moist, nutty carrot cake base with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, paired with silky cheesecake and topped with an indulgent cream cheese whipped topping. Each forkful feels like a celebration.

What Kind of Creamy Topping Is Best for Cheesecake?

For this recipe, a whipped cream cheese topping works beautifully. It adds a fluffy, tangy contrast to the dense cake without being overly sweet. If you want a more stable finish for warmer weather events, you can also fold in some whipped topping (like Cool Whip) to help it hold shape longer.


Ingredients for the Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Creamy Topping

Every ingredient in this cake has a purpose—from the moisture of the carrots to the richness of the cream cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Carrots (freshly grated): The heart of any carrot cake. Adds moisture and natural sweetness.
  • All-purpose flour: The base structure for the cake layer.
  • Granulated sugar and brown sugar: For sweetness and added depth of flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake ultra-moist.
  • Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, tangy and smooth.
  • Sour cream: Adds silkiness and a slight tang to the cheesecake.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.
  • Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm, earthy spices for the carrot cake.
  • Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents for a light texture.
  • Salt: Balances all the flavors.
  • Pecans (optional): Add crunch and a buttery finish.

How To Make the Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Creamy Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, mix the eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla. Stir in the grated carrots. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until creamy and lump-free.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Grease a springform pan and pour half the carrot cake batter in. Gently spoon the cheesecake layer over it, then top with remaining carrot cake batter. Use a knife to swirl gently.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Topping

Whip cream cheese with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream. Spread generously over the chilled cake and garnish with chopped pecans.


How to Serve and Store Your Carrot Cake Cheesecake

This rich dessert serves around 10-12 people, making it perfect for gatherings and holidays. Slice with a hot knife for clean layers and serve chilled for best texture. Store any leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. It also freezes well—just skip the topping until ready to serve.

What to Serve With Carrot Cake Cheesecake?

Fresh Fruit Salad

A vibrant mix of berries, oranges, and kiwi lightens up the richness.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop of this classic beside your slice makes a heavenly combo.

Spiced Chai Latte

Pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the cake.

Lemon Curd Drizzle

For a citrusy twist that cuts through the creaminess.

Toasted Coconut Flakes

Sprinkle on top for texture and flavor.

Maple Roasted Walnuts

Add even more crunch and sweetness.

Hot Black Coffee

Sometimes simple is best—a bold cup brings out the cake’s depth.


Want More Cheesecake Ideas?

If you loved this carrot cake cheesecake, try one of these equally tempting creations:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swirl it evenly? Add any spices or extras of your own?

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Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Creamy Topping

Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Creamy Topping


  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 5 hours
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

If you’ve ever struggled to choose between carrot cake and cheesecake—this dessert is your sweet solution. With a moist, spice-infused carrot cake base and a swirl of creamy, tangy cheesecake, this indulgent treat is topped with a whipped cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans. Whether you need an easy dessert idea for Easter, a showstopping birthday cake, or a cozy autumn bake, this rich and flavorful hybrid satisfies all cravings. It’s a perfect make-ahead recipe, ideal for anyone searching quick breakfast treats, holiday dinner ideas, healthy-ish desserts, or simply a fun new baking project.


Ingredients

2 cups freshly grated carrots

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

8 oz cream cheese (softened)

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Topping:

4 oz cream cheese (softened)

2 tbsp powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In another bowl, combine eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla. Stir in grated carrots.

4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.

5. Pour half of the carrot cake batter into the pan. Spoon the cheesecake mixture gently over it. Add remaining carrot cake batter and swirl lightly.

6. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely, then refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

7. For the topping, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla, then fold in whipped cream.

8. Spread topping over chilled cake and garnish with pecans.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans before garnishing.

You can use Cool Whip instead of fresh whipped cream for the topping if preferred.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: cheesecake, carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, Easter cake, holiday dessert

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