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Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake

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This Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is the ultimate indulgence! Moist carrot cake layers infused with warm spices, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans are topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this decadent dessert will impress every time!

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

For Garnish:

  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • Extra caramel sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Carrot Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in vegetable oil.
  4. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together sugar and water until dissolved.
  2. Increase heat and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color.
  3. Carefully whisk in heavy cream, followed by butter, vanilla, and salt.
  4. Let cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
  2. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
  3. Repeat with the second layer, then place the final layer on top.
  4. Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

Decorate and Serve:

  1. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
  2. Garnish with more chopped pecans.
  3. Slice and enjoy your Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake!

Notes

  • Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans or replace them with toasted coconut for added texture.
  • Extra Moisture: Substitute half of the oil with applesauce for an even more tender cake.
  • Spice Variation: Add a pinch of allspice or cloves for a deeper warm spice flavor.
  • Alternative Frosting: Swap cream cheese frosting for classic buttercream if preferred.

Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/caramel-pecan-carrot-heaven-cake/