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
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.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day after chilling.
- To enhance flavor, toast the pecans before adding to the cake.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
