Carrot Cake Layered Cheesecake (Printable Version)
A moist, spiced carrot cake layered with rich cream cheese frosting, ideal for any special occasion or treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Carrot Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
11 - 1 cup vegetable oil
12 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - 3 cups finely grated carrots
15 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
16 - 3/4 cup raisins (optional)
17 - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting
18 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
19 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
20 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
21 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
22 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
03 - In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
05 - Fold in grated carrots, nuts, raisins, and pineapple if using until evenly distributed.
06 - Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth the tops.
07 - Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
09 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until light and fluffy.
10 - Level cake layers if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost top and sides of cake.
11 - Decorate with extra chopped nuts or carrot curls if desired. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That incredibly moist crumb that somehow manages to hold together three magnificent layers without collapsing
- The tangy cream cheese frosting strikes the perfect balance between sweet and refreshing
- Its actually better the next day, making it ideal for makeahead celebrations
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients for both cake and frosting are nonnegotiable for smooth results
- The batter will seem thick compared to other cakes but this is completely normal and necessary
- Measuring your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than dipping prevents dry cake
03 -
- Toasting your nuts before adding them to the batter brings out incredible flavor
- Grate your carrots by hand rather than using food processor for better texture