Name: Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups finely grated carrots; 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained); 1 cup chopped pecans; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; pinch of salt

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Dive into pure decadence with this Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake—an irresistible fusion of moist carrot cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and a glossy, nutty caramel-pecan crown. Every bite offers a symphony of spiced flavors, toasted pecans, and just the right amount of sweet, gooey indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress and leave everyone reaching for a second slice.

Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake starts with simple, everyday ingredients that come together for truly show-stopping flavor and texture. Each component plays its own delicious role in building this luxurious dessert.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its hearty, tender structure ready to soak up flavors from spice and carrot.
Baking powder & baking soda: Lightly lift the batter, guaranteeing a fluffy crumb every time.
Salt: Enhances all the warm spices and balances the sweetness in the cake and toppings.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: Bring warmth, subtle heat, and that classic carrot cake charm.
Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Pair together for depth, sweetness, and beautiful golden color.
Vegetable oil: Yields a super-moist crumb that stays fresh and lovely for days.
Eggs: Bind everything together for a rich, cohesive texture.
Vanilla extract: Weaves in an aromatic note that rounds out the sweetness.
Finely grated carrots: Deliver moisture, subtle earthiness, and vibrant orange hues.
Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds tang and another layer of juiciness without weighing down the cake.
Chopped pecans: Lend a buttery crunch and toasty undertone throughout the batter and topping.
Cream cheese: Brings tang and creaminess to the sumptuous frosting.
Unsalted butter: Softens both the frosting and the caramel topping for lush texture and flavor.
Powdered sugar: Ensures the frosting is smooth, light, and perfectly sweet.
Heavy cream: Creates the velvety caramel sauce for the crowning glory.

How to Make Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Essentials

Set the stage for cake magic! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan. This prep work ensures your Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake releases easily and bakes up beautifully with crisp edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the trifecta of cozy spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Blending these ahead guarantees they’re evenly dispersed, infusing each bite with that perfect spiced balance.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Next, in a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and a generous splash of vanilla extract. Whip until silky and smooth — this is what makes the crumb so tender and helps the cake stay irresistibly moist.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add your bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Over-mixing can make the cake tough, so fold with a light hand. You want a uniform batter without overworking it!

Step 5: Fold in the Carrots, Pineapple, and Pecans

It’s time for the star additions: tender grated carrots, juicy crushed pineapple, and a handful of chopped pecans. Fold them into the batter, making sure everything is evenly distributed, so you get pops of flavor and texture in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should look golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before the next, delicious steps.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, create dreamy richness by beating together cream cheese and softened unsalted butter. Add in powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla extract, beating until your frosting becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy. This is the sweet-tangy blanket your cake has been waiting for.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Don’t be shy — a generous layer means every slice is just as luscious as the last. This base layer is the creamy stage for our caramel-pecan finish.

Step 9: Make the Caramel Pecan Topping

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture simmers for 2–3 minutes, thickening into a silky caramel. Stir in chopped pecans and remove from heat. Let it cool slightly so it’s still pourable but not scorching hot.

Step 10: Assemble and Finish

Spoon the warm caramel-pecan mixture gently over the frosted cake, letting it cascade into gorgeous, glossy ribbons. Chill the entire cake briefly so the topping sets into a decadent, sliceable layer. Slice, serve, and savor!

How to Serve Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your masterpiece by sprinkling extra toasted pecans, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of extra caramel just before serving. Edible flower petals or a scattering of orange zest add an extra pop of color, making each slice feel like a celebration.

Side Dishes

Pair Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or even a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt for a lighter touch. For holiday gatherings, serve it alongside spiced chai tea or robust coffee — perfect companions to its spiced, nutty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn slices into parfaits layered with whipped cream and crumbled cake, or cut into bite-sized bars for a decadent dessert tray! For parties, serve the cake on a rustic wooden board with clusters of candied pecans and fresh fruit to make the Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake the star of the sweets table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake covered tightly in the fridge. It keeps perfectly moist for up to 4 days, and you might even find the flavors deepen as it rests. Pro tip: a quick rest overnight actually improves both the texture and taste.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this cake! For best results, slice and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil or freezer bags. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge well before you crave it — the cream cheese frosting and caramel topping hold up surprisingly well.

Reheating

If you’d like to gently warm a slice, pop it in the microwave at 50 percent power for 10–15 seconds. It tastes just as divine slightly chilled, but warming will soften the caramel and frosting for an ooey-gooey treat. Always avoid overheating to keep the texture creamy.

FAQs

Can I make Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one replacement, and check if it includes a binder like xanthan gum for the best texture.

Do I have to use pineapple in the cake?

The crushed pineapple adds moisture and subtle tang, but if you prefer to skip it, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce or simply add extra grated carrots. The cake will still turn out deliciously moist!

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is even better after a night in the fridge. You can make each component a day ahead — assemble, chill, and you’re all set for effortless serving.

What is the best way to toast pecans for extra flavor?

Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for about 7 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown. Let them cool before folding into the batter or sprinkling on top for a deeper nutty flavor.

How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease and flour your baking pan before pouring in the batter. You can also use parchment paper as an extra safeguard for effortless removal, ensuring every precious piece stays intact.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is more than just dessert — it’s a celebration baked into every slice! Share it with your loved ones, bring it to gatherings, or simply treat yourself to the joy of homemade cake that’s filled with warmth, sweetness, and a touch of something special. You deserve this little slice of carrot-caramel paradise!

Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the heavenly combination of moist carrot cake topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and a decadent caramel pecan topping. This Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is a show-stopping dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1 cup chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Pecan Topping:

1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, beat sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix. Fold in carrots, pineapple, and pecans.
Bake the cake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 40–45 minutes. Let cool.
Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread over cooled cake.
Prepare the caramel pecan topping: Heat brown sugar, cream, butter, and salt. Stir until sugar dissolves. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then stir in pecans. Spoon over cake.
Chill and serve: Chill briefly to set topping before slicing.