Description
A delicious blend of carrot cake and cheesecake, this Carrot Cake Cheesecake is a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just blended. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan, then remove the sides of the springform pan.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for half of the cream cheese.
- You can also add a cream cheese frosting on top for extra sweetness and decoration.
- For a spicier flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the batter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 6g