Description
This Instant Pot Carrot Cake Cheesecake combines the best of two classic desserts into one luscious treat. A moist carrot cake base studded with raisins and walnuts is layered with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, then pressure-cooked to perfection. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, caramel drizzle, and chopped nuts, this indulgent dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrot Cake Layer
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (or more as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Walnuts or pecans, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 7-inch springform pan with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
- Make carrot cake batter: In a large bowl, beat vegetable oil and brown sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Whisk in eggs and vanilla extract until combined. Stir in all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt using a spatula or mixer on low speed until fully incorporated. Fold in finely grated carrots, raisins, and chopped walnuts evenly with a spatula.
- Transfer carrot cake layer: Pour the carrot cake mixture evenly into the prepared springform pan and set aside.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In a separate large bowl, beat cream cheese on high speed for 3-4 minutes until creamy and smooth, scraping the bowl as needed. Whisk in granulated sugar and flour until fully combined. Add sour cream, cream, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth and free of lumps. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition but avoiding overmixing.
- Add cheesecake filling to cake layer: Gently scoop the cheesecake batter over the carrot cake layer and smooth the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Seal the pan: Completely wrap the springform pan—top, sides, and bottom—with aluminum foil to prevent water from leaking in during cooking.
- Prepare Instant Pot: Place the trivet with handles inside the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
- Cook the cheesecake: Set the wrapped springform pan on the trivet. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release.
- Cool the cheesecake: Carefully remove the pan from the Instant Pot once cooking is done. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely on the counter.
- Chill overnight: Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for at least 8 hours or ideally overnight to set firmly.
- Prepare frosting: Before serving, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time and vanilla extract, mixing well for 4-5 minutes until the frosting thickens. Add more powdered sugar if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Frost and garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top as garnish.
- Serve: Slice the cheesecake and enjoy this creamy, moist, and flavorful dessert.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter and frosting.
- Be careful not to overmix the cheesecake batter after adding eggs to prevent cracks during cooking.
- If you don’t have a springform pan, use a cake pan that fits inside your Instant Pot and can be wrapped tightly with foil.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly overnight for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans based on your preference or availability.
- Use nonstick spray or parchment paper at the bottom of the pan to help with easy removal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot carrot cake cheesecake, carrot cake cheesecake recipe, pressure cooker cheesecake, carrot cake dessert, Instant Pot desserts
