Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
Place a large roasting or baking pan on the middle rack of your oven. Fill it with 6 cups of boiling water to create a water bath. The cheesecake will bake on the top rack above the steam, not in the water bath.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in 1½ cups (150g) of peeled and grated carrots. Set aside.
3
Make the Cheesecake Batter
In a large bowl, beat 2 cups (453g) of softened cream cheese until smooth (about 1 minute).
Add to the bowl:
⅓ cup (73g) brown sugar
⅓ cup (66g) granulated sugar
Beat again until fully combined.
Mix in ¼ cup (60g) sour cream.
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
Add 2 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Mix until just combined. Set aside.
4
Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour ⅓ of the carrot cake batter into the prepared springform pan and spread evenly.
Spoon ⅓ of the cheesecake batter into the center.
Repeat the layering process, alternating between carrot cake and cheesecake batter, until both batters are used up. Finish with cheesecake batter on top.
5
Bake the Cheesecake
Place the cheesecake on the top oven rack, directly above the water bath.
Bake for 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil (without touching the cheesecake).
Once done, turn off the oven, prop the door open, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven, let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight before unmolding.
6
Make the Caramelized Pecans
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt:
½ tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp brown sugar
Pinch of salt
Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans and cook, stirring constantly, for 10–15 minutes, or until caramelized.
Transfer the pecans to parchment paper and let them cool completely.
7
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat together:
⅓ cup (75g) softened cream cheese
3 tbsp (38g) unsalted butter
Add 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar and mix on low to start, then increase to high and beat until fluffy.
Add ½ tsp vanilla extract and mix to combine.
8
Decorate & Serve
Carefully remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and peel off the parchment from the bottom.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cheesecake.