Ingredients
Method
Prepare the cheesecake layer
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place a large roasting pan in the oven and pour in 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath.
- Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Wrap the outside of the pan with foil to prevent water from seeping in.
Make the cheesecake filling
- Beat 2 packages cream cheese with 1 cup sugar and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth and creamy.
- Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream and 1/3 cup heavy cream until the batter is silky and smooth.
Bake the cheesecake layer
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan. Place the springform pan into the roasting pan with the hot water.
- Bake for 45 minutes at 325°F (163°C) until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven with the door closed for a gentle finish. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake until firm.
Prepare the carrot cake layers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8- or 9-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment if desired.
Mix the carrot cake batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups sugar, 1 cup oil, and 4 eggs until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tsp cinnamon.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then fold in 2 cups shredded carrots.
Bake the carrot cake layers
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes completely on a wire rack before assembling.
Make the frosting
- Beat 1 cup butter and 1 package cream cheese until fluffy.
- Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Mix in 1 Tbsp vanilla extract and 1/4 cup heavy cream until the frosting is spreadable.
Assemble the cake
- Place one carrot cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Gently set the chilled cheesecake layer on top of the frosted cake.
- Add the second carrot cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
- Frost the top and sides of the stacked cake with the remaining frosting.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup chopped pecans, if desired. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve
- Slice carefully with a sharp knife for clean layers and enjoy.
Nutrition
Notes
Tip: Soften cream cheese and butter to room temperature for smooth cheesecake and frosting. Wrap the springform pan to prevent water from seeping in. Chill the cheesecake until fully firm before stacking.
