Description
This copycat Neiman Marcus carrot cake offers a simplified and delicious version of the iconic department store dessert. It combines a boxed carrot cake mix enriched with extra shredded carrots and a rich vanilla cheesecake layer on top, creating a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box carrot cake mix
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste
- 2 cups confectioners sugar, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the carrot cake mix, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste, shredded carrots, and melted butter. Mix well until the batter is thick and uniform.
- Spread Cake Batter: Evenly spread the thick cake batter on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring a smooth layer.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, remaining 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste, and 2 cups of confectioners sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheesecake Layer: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the carrot cake batter in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cheesecake layer should be jiggly in the center but set around the edges, resulting in a gooey texture.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes to set properly before serving.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooled, dust the top with additional confectioners sugar if desired. Slice and enjoy the rich, moist carrot cake with a creamy cheesecake topping.
Notes
- For best results, bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter and cream cheese layer.
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the cake batter for extra texture and flavor, if desired.
- Make sure not to overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to keep the cheesecake layer creamy and smooth.
- Let the cake cool completely for easier slicing and better flavor development.
- Vanilla bean paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor than vanilla extract, but vanilla extract can be substituted if unavailable.
