Carrot Pecan Delight Cheesecake
This decadent Carrot Pecan Delight Cheesecake combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the rich creaminess of a traditional cheesecake. The innovative crust made from coarsely crushed Rice Chex and finely chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, perfectly complementing the smooth filling. Finished with a honey glaze and garnished with lightly sugared carrot shavings, this cheesecake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors and textures that is sure to impress at any gathering or special occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice Chex
1 cup (coarsely crushed)
Pecans
3/4 cup (finely chopped)
Honey
3 tablespoons (to sweeten crust and filling)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for crust flavor)
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted for crust)
Ricotta Cheese
15 ounces (drained)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (at room temperature)
Eggs
3 large (beaten)
Sugar
2/3 cup (to sweeten filling)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Flour
1/2 cup (to thicken filling)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to enhance flavor)
Orange Juice
1/4 cup (for moisture and flavor)
Carrot
1 cup (finely shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Rice Chex cereal, finely chopped pecans, honey, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
4
Press the cereal mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the springform pan to create a crust. Ensure it is packed tightly for a stable base.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
6
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained ricotta cheese, room temperature cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, salt, orange juice, and finely shredded carrots.
7
Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and well-blended.
8
Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
9
Bake in the center of the oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set and feels solid to the touch.
10
Once baked, let the cheesecake cool in the pan for a bit, then carefully loosen the rim of the springform pan and remove it.
11
Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, for best results.
12
For garnish, take 1/4 cup of finely shredded carrot, spread it out on a piece of parchment paper, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes without letting it brown.
13
After cooling, lightly sprinkle the baked carrot shavings with sugar and use them to decorate individual pieces of cheesecake when serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carrot Pecan Delight Cheesecake?
It is a decadent dessert that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling and a crunchy Rice Chex and pecan crust.
What makes the crust unique in this recipe?
The crust is made from a blend of coarsely crushed Rice Chex cereal and finely chopped pecans, sweetened with honey and cinnamon.
How should I prepare the Rice Chex for the crust?
The Rice Chex cereal should be coarsely crushed to provide a stable and crunchy base for the cheesecake.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for both the crust and the cheesecake filling.
How do I prepare the springform pan?
Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the cheesecake.
How long does the crust need to bake before adding the filling?
The crust should be baked in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes and then set aside to cool.
What are the main dairy components of the filling?
The filling uses a combination of 15 ounces of drained ricotta cheese and 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese.
Does the ricotta cheese require any preparation?
Yes, the ricotta cheese must be drained before being added to the mixing bowl.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs, which should be beaten before being mixed into the filling.
How is the cheesecake filling sweetened?
The filling is sweetened using a combination of 2/3 cup of sugar and honey.
What liquid is added to the filling for moisture and flavor?
1/4 cup of orange juice is added to provide moisture and a subtle citrus flavor.
How much carrot is needed for the filling?
You will need 1 cup of finely shredded carrots for the cheesecake mixture.
What role does flour play in this recipe?
1/2 cup of flour is included in the filling to help thicken it and provide structure.
How long does the cheesecake bake?
The cheesecake should bake in the center of the oven for 50 to 55 minutes.
How can I tell if the cheesecake is finished baking?
The cheesecake is done when the center is set and feels solid to the touch.
How long should the cheesecake chill before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for the best results.
How do I make the sugared carrot garnish?
Spread 1/4 cup of shredded carrots on parchment paper, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes without browning, and then lightly sprinkle with sugar.
Is there a specific way to remove the cheesecake from the pan?
After cooling slightly, carefully loosen the rim of the springform pan before removing it to keep the edges intact.
What size springform pan is required?
A 9-inch springform pan is the standard size for this recipe.
Does the cream cheese need to be a specific temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, well-blended mixture.
What type of nuts are used in the crust?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of finely chopped pecans for the crust.
Can I use any type of cereal for the crust?
The recipe specifically calls for Rice Chex for its unique texture and crunch.
How much honey is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of honey to sweeten both the crust and the filling.
What is used to flavor the crust?
The crust is flavored with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and honey.
Should I cover the cheesecake while it chills?
Yes, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the filling to enhance the overall flavors.
What is the preparation for the pecans?
The pecans should be finely chopped before being mixed into the crust.
Can I bake the carrot garnish at the same time as the cheesecake?
The garnish is baked at the same temperature but for a shorter duration (10 minutes), so it can be done separately or while the cheesecake cools.
Is vanilla extract used in this cheesecake?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the filling for flavor.
Is this cheesecake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its unique ingredients and elegant garnish make it a perfect celebration dessert for holidays and gatherings.