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Festive Carrot Patch Cheesecake for Your Holiday Table


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  • Author: Benjamin
  • Total Time: 7 hours (including cooling)
  • Yield: 10-12 servings 1x

Description

This whimsical Carrot Patch Cheesecake is a fun and delicious dessert perfect for spring celebrations! A rich and creamy cheesecake sits on a chocolatey Oreo crust, topped with silky ganache and crushed cookies to resemble “dirt.” The final touch? Fresh strawberries dipped in orange-colored white chocolate to look like tiny carrots growing in a garden. This festive treat is as delightful to look at as it is to eat!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • Orange food coloring
  • 10 medium strawberries
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup crushed Oreos
  • 1/2 package Robin’s Eggs candies

Instructions

    • Prepare the Crust:

      • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
      • In a food processor, blend 26 Oreo cookies with 4 tablespoons melted butter and a pinch of kosher salt until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
      • Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even layer. Set aside.
    • Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

      • In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat 4 blocks of softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
      • Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
      • Mix in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 1/4 cup sour cream until fully incorporated.
      • Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, mixing until just combined.
      • Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
    • Bake the Cheesecake:

      • Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
      • Place the foil-wrapped pan into a large roasting pan.
      • Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath.
      • Carefully transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
      • Once done, turn off the oven, prop open the oven door, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven for 1 hour.
      • Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath, discard the foil, and refrigerate the cheesecake until completely chilled, at least 5 hours or preferably overnight.
    • Prepare the Strawberry “Carrots”:

      • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil.
      • Microwave the mixture on high in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the white chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
      • Add orange food coloring to the melted white chocolate, stirring until the desired shade is achieved.
      • Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
      • Holding each of the 10 medium strawberries by their green leaves, dip them into the orange-colored white chocolate, ensuring they are evenly coated.
      • Place the dipped strawberries onto the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate coating is firm, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
    • Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

      • In a small saucepan over low heat, warm 1/3 cup heavy cream until small bubbles form around the edges, ensuring it does not boil.
      • Place 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
      • Pour the heated cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit undisturbed for 3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften.
      • After 3 minutes, stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and glossy, forming a ganache.
    • Assemble the Cheesecake:

      • Pour the prepared chocolate ganache over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it evenly to cover the top.
      • Sprinkle 1 cup of crushed Oreos over the ganache to resemble “soil.”
      • Arrange the chocolate-dipped strawberries on top of the cheesecake, pressing them gently into the Oreo crumbs to resemble carrots growing in a garden.
      • Scatter Robin’s Eggs candies around the strawberries for added decoration.
      • Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the ganache to set before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in the batter.
  • A water bath helps prevent cracking, but if you skip it, lower the baking temperature slightly.
  • The cheesecake tastes best after chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American