Honeybun Carrot Cake with Cheesecake Filling Recipe
This Honeybun Carrot Cake with Cheesecake Filling is a delightful layered dessert combining moist, spiced carrot cake with a luscious cheesecake center. The cake layers are enriched with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans for texture and flavor, all topped with a creamy honey-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Carrot Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- ¾ cup toasted pecans (optional)
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
Honey Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the cornstarch, egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing just until combined to maintain a light texture.
- Bake Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake batter into a lined pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until set. Allow it to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up before assembly.
- Prepare Carrot Cake Layers: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F. Grease and line two 8- or 9-inch cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently. Fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans if using, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Bake Carrot Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on wire racks completely before handling.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing well. Incorporate honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one carrot cake layer on your serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting over the top. Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top of this, then add the second carrot cake layer.
- Final Frosting and Garnish: Frost the top and sides of the assembled cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Add any desired garnishes such as extra toasted pecans or a drizzle of honey.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as preferred.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smoother frosting and batter.
- Draining the crushed pineapple is important to avoid excess moisture in the cake layers.
- Toasted pecans add a nice crunch but are optional for those with nut allergies.
- Chilling the cheesecake layer before assembly helps it hold its shape and prevent mixing with the carrot cake layers.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated for optimal flavor development.
Keywords: carrot cake, cheesecake filling, honeybun cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, holiday dessert
